NBA Free Agency kicks off today at 3 PM PT, and nobody seems to know what the Kings might be up to. Thursday’s trade opens up use of the full MLE, and the Kings still have the Bi-Annual Exception available, but both deals come with cap ramifications under the new CBA. Spotrac’s Keith Smith shared a very useful reference chart that I expect to use a lot in the days to come:
Enough people seem to like this, so I figured I would share with all.
This isn’t the be all, end all of what different levels mean for NBA teams, but think of it as a quick reference guide for when you hear all about cap space, over-the-cap and first & second aprons this summer! pic.twitter.com/NPUapAmSot
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 30, 2024
The biggest domino in free agency this year is Paul George, who officially opted out of his contract with the Clippers yesterday. The Kings themselves aren’t likely to be in the Paul George sweepstakes, as landing him would require a sign-and-trade and seems quite far-fetched.
Klay Thompson is another big name to watch, as it seems likely he’s going to actually leave the Warriors. Dallas and the Lakers are being mentioned as potential landing spots for him.
Among MLE targets for the Kings, I’m a big fan of Naji Marshall. He’s a big wing who produced well for the Pelicans but didn’t get a big opportunity due to the Pels having 4000 wing players. Exactly the type of player that makes sense for the Kings in free agency in the sense that he fills a positional need, adds size, and has potential to be better in a bigger role.
Jalen Smith could be another name to watch after he opted out of the final year of his deal with the Pacers. Smith is a productive big man and just 24 years old.
Caleb Martin is another wing I wouldn’t be mad to see the Kings sign. He opted out of his deal to become an unrestricted free agent. He doesn’t have the flash or upside of of Marshall or Smith, and is a little older than the Kings ideal timeline, but he’s a solid veteran wing.
The Kings also have the option to use the MLE in a trade for a player under contract for less than the MLE, which could be an interesting option if the Kings are otherwise striking out.
Free agency kicking off can also spark offseason trade activity. The Kings have been linked to a number of players dating back to the previous trade deadline. We know the Kings are shopping Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter. They’ve been linked to players like Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, and Jerami Grant. Can Monte McNair get a trade across the finish line?
Hopefully we get to enjoy a flurry of activity at the start of free agency, rather than the league sitting around waiting on Paul George. But as we kick off free agency I also want to take a moment to appreciate that we aren’t panicking about Malik Monk leaving. Watching some of the other extensions being signed, it feels more and more like Monk’s deal is a bargain, and I’m happy that we’re looking at roster improvement rather than trying to figure out how to replace Monk’s impact.
