With the Boston Celtics crowned the NBA Champions, all attention now officially turns to the offseason. Matt Moore of The Action Network posted a roundup of NBA rumors and intel, with some interesting Sacramento Kings nuggets included. Moore reports that the Kings are still kicking the tires on a potential deal with the Chicago Bulls to acquire Zach LaVine or Alex Caruso, or possibly both:
The Sacramento Kings are going back to the well with the same trade package they offered Toronto twice for OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam. The offer includes Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter and draft pick compensation. They’re known to have had calls with Chicago involving Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso.
The Kings have been connected to LaVine multiple times over the years. Vlade Divac signed him to a restricted free agent offer sheet that was quickly matched, and Sacramento was interested in LaVine again last season before LaVine suffered another injury. Alex Caruso is a name we’ve kicked around these parts last season, but the Bulls reported asking price at the trade deadline was pretty high.
Moore explains the Kings interest in LaVine as being tied to the possibility that Malik Monk leaves in free agency, and this makes sense to me. The biggest issue with acquiring LaVine last season, aside from his continued injury woes, was the difficult fit of another high-usage guard alongside Monk and De’Aaron Fox. If Monk leaves and Kevin Huerter is part of the return package (which he almost surely would be), the fit isn’t quite as confusing. Chicago may also ask for Keon Ellis in the deal, particularly if the Kings were acquiring both LaVine and Caruso. I don’t see the Kings parting with Ellis for LaVine if Caruso isn’t in the deal, personally.
LaVine’s biggest flaws are simple: he’s expense and doesn’t stay healthy. LaVine is owed $43 million this season, $45.9 million next season, and then has a $48.9 million player options. LaVine has dealt with a litany of injuries over the years, and played just 25 games last season. LaVine has also never been a great defender. But when he’s healthy, LaVine is exactly the type of offensive threat the Kings have needed. A downhill threat who can attack the defense, get into the paint, get to the line, and finish as a lob threat. LaVine has also developed over the years into a respectable three-point threat, good enough to at least keep defenses honest.
Acquiring LaVine would be a big risk, regardless of whether or not Alex Caruso joins him, but I’d certainly feel better about getting both players than getting LaVine alone. Will the Kings take such a big, expensive risk after an extended period of standing pat? We’ll have to wait and see.
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It’s also worth noting that Moore reports that the Kings are expected to renew talks for Kyle Kuzma. The Kings have chased Kuzma for years, so this isn’t a big surprise, but it’s still worth mentioning here.
