The Sacramento Kings, a team that has been making moves to reshape its financial strategy, are now in a position to make some intriguing offseason acquisitions, according to NBA cap expert Keith Smith. In a recent appearance on Sactown Sports' The Drive Guys, Smith analyzed the Kings' salary cap situation and highlighted their newfound flexibility.
One of the key moves that has opened up opportunities for the Kings is the waiver of DeMar DeRozan, which has given them significant breathing room below the NBA's tax thresholds. Smith estimates that the Kings are now around $4 million under the luxury tax and $9 million under the first apron, providing them with the ability to utilize the non-taxpayer mid-level exception in free agency.
This financial flexibility could be crucial in the pursuit of players like Jonathan Kuminga, a former Golden State Warriors forward who recently entered free agency after the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24 million option. Smith believes that the Kings, despite their limited cap space, could still be in the running for Kuminga, especially if his market cools down.
"I think there's a chance we could still see him with the Kings, especially as his market dries up," Smith said. He also mentioned the Los Angeles Lakers as a serious contender, but they would likely need a sign-and-trade to make the finances work.
However, Smith cautioned against blocking the development of the Kings' young core, which includes players like Darius Acuff Jr., Keegan Murray, Nique Clifford, and Maxime Raynaud. He emphasized the importance of giving these young talents room to grow and develop.
The most intriguing possibility, according to Smith, is the potential acquisition of Detroit Pistons All-Star center Jalen Duren. Duren, who recently earned All-NBA Third Team honors, is eligible for a massive five-year, $287.1 million extension. While the Pistons want to retain Duren, they are not eager to offer the full maximum contract.
"They would like to have Jalen Duren back, but they're not going to overextend on that next contract for him," Smith explained. With cap space tight across the league, any move involving Duren would likely require a sign-and-trade, which could involve matching salaries with players like Domantas Sabonis or Zach LaVine.
Despite the challenges, Smith believes the door is still open for the Kings to get involved in a potential Duren trade. He emphasized that the Kings are in a position to be opportunistic and find creative pathways to acquire top talent.
"The Kings are still sitting in a spot where they could get involved very easily," Smith said. "Whether it's taking a swing on Kuminga or finding a way to acquire Duren, they have avenues available as the offseason continues."
In conclusion, the Sacramento Kings, with their improved financial outlook, are poised to make some exciting moves this offseason. While they may not have abundant cap space, their strategic decisions have positioned them to be opportunistic and competitive in the free agency market. It will be interesting to see how they navigate these opportunities and shape their roster for the upcoming season.
