Sacramento’s addition-by-subtraction strategy swaps aging stars for defensive versatility to spark a postseason surge in the competitive West.
A quiet offseason by the Sacramento Kings may have made them better heading into next season through an addition-by-subtraction approach.
Sacramento waived veteran guard DeMar DeRozan, traded guard Devin Carter to the Atlanta Hawks, who waived him and then signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Boston Celtics, and Russell Westbrook retired. Losing those players created more roles to fill and could open more minutes for a few players to maximize.
DeRozan's departure, including waiving and stretching the remaining $10 million guaranteed, makes way for De'Andre Hunter to enter the starting lineup next to Keegan Murray.
The 17-year veteran was a reliable on-ball scorer, averaging 20.3 points and starting 154 games during his two-year tenure. He's a mid-range assassin, but lacks dependable floor spacing and defense, which Hunter offers.
Next season is a "prove it" year for Hunter, who's entering the final year of his contract and played two games for Sacramento before sustaining a season-ending eye injury.
General manager Perry upgraded his roster with a 3-and-D wing, adding much-needed defensive versatility. Hunter's 6-foot-7, 221-pound frame lets him match up with more physical forwards and absorb contact in one-on-one scenarios.
He can space the floor as a knockdown three-point shooter. Hunter has shot 36.4% from beyond the arc for his career, but must redeem himself after shooting a career-low 30.5% last season.
Westbrook's departure created a void at backup point guard, and the Kings spent most of the offseason searching for a replacement. Perry wanted the 18-year veteran back, but could only offer the veteran's minimum, and he believed Westbrook outplayed that value.
The perfect candidate, Ben Simmons, revealed himself when ESPN senior NBA writer Marc Spears reported he was attempting a comeback.
Simmons sat out last season to recover from injuries and regain the confidence he lost. Sacramento's interest in the 6-foot-10 point forward gained momentum after Perry watched him work out in Florida.
The 30-year-old can handle playmaking duties, especially in transition, and can guard multiple positions. He signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal in early September, becoming the team's first free-agent signing.
Perry traded Carter to get further away from the second apron and inch closer to ducking the luxury tax.
His departure shrinks the Kings' guard rotation, giving newly signed Elfrid Payton or rookie Emanuel Sharp a chance at breaking into coach Doug Christie's rotation.
Sacramento made the most of limited resources this offseason and made the cuts needed to have more financial flexibility in the future. The team could be better next season with healthy stars and a much more fitting roster around rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr.
