Kings GM Scott Perry defends the lone trade-deadline acquisition and hints at future roster moves, sparking fan debate about long-term strategy.
Following an intriguing Feb. 5 trade deadline, the Sacramento Kings' general manager Scott Perry held a press conference to speak both to Kings fans and the media about his decisions to hopefully improve the roster.
Perry only completed one deal, landing De'Andre Hunter from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder, but he reminded everyone that the deadline serves as one of many opportunities to adjust the makeup of the team.
After expressing his thanks for what Schröder, Ellis and Dario Sarić (sent to Chicago Bulls in three-team deal) did as members of the franchise, Perry explained why he felt that the deadline won't be the Kings' only moment to make meaningful changes.
"As you know, the trade deadline is just the first opportunity, really, to make adjustments with the roster," Perry told media members on Friday.
"And as I said to all of you here in the media and the Sacramento King community at large and (the) fanbase, is that we're going to take our time and we're going to use this year to evaluate this roster."
Evaluating the roster is certainly one way to word it, considering that only one trade to land a 28-year-old forward was accomplished. Sure, the versatile two-way wing Hunter is a fine player, but his acquisition was certainly a head-scratcher for a franchise needing to value draft compensation and young(er) talent over win-now glue guys.
The Kings landed zero first-round draft capital, or any draft capital for that matter, despite possessing a few solid veteran options who could surely make a positive impact on a contending roster, namely Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk.
Unfortunately, the markets involving the trio dried up to an unprecedented degree, even for a 29-year-old three-time All Star in Sabonis with plenty left in the tank.
Failing to net any draft capital or a single worthwhile prospect in exchange for a player of Sabonis' caliber is an especially tall task, but Perry's front office made sure to push the boundaries of tank mismanagement.
Still, Perry is correct in his statement of the deadline being just one of the first few steps to revitalizing a rebuilding NBA team.
Heading into this offseason, the NBA draft will provide hope to Kings fans wishing to land a franchise-altering talent. Then free agency will follow, then the trade cycle will all begin again soon enough.
However, Perry's reminder of future chances to fix the team won't become valuable unless the organization makes use of those opportunities and keeps its promises.
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