As the Sacramento Kings continue to rebuild, the front office has clearly put a focus on getting younger. Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis are two players to monitor as the season progresses to see if the team is looking to deal one of their former NBA All-Stars.
The Sacramento Kings are paying the former NBA All-Star pair of Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis nearly $100 million this upcoming season.
Throughout the offseason, both players have been floated as potential trade targets, but with their significant missed time last season, it seems likely they will be on the team for at least the start of the year.
On Tuesday, ESPN Kings Insider James Ham reported that the Kings had a significant offer from the Atlanta Hawks for LaVine, centered around a Trae Young-swap.
But, the team clearly had plans to add a lead guard in the draft, and did not want to be handcuffed to giving Young an extension.
"They said no because they knew that the second he got off a plane, he would want an extension and the Kings were not fully prepared to be in the longterm Trae Young business," Ham said.
Young, the Hawks' former All-NBA point guard, has been one of the most dynamic scorers in the NBA since being drafted in 2018.
But, his time in Atlanta was coming to a close towards the end of last season, and the team made it clear they were looking to move him.
Eventually, he was dealt to the Washington Wizards, where he was quickly given a handsome extension (4-year, $212 million).
While it is certainly surprising to hear the Kings were involved in the late-season Young sweepstakes, it makes sense that the team did not make this move.
Cashing in on Darius Acuff Jr. in the draft affirms the team's decision, as the reigning SEC Player of the Year has been hailed a franchise cornerstone by members within the team.
Acuff, like Young, is a lethal scorer and playmaker, producing from all three levels and getting his teammates involved.
In the NBA Summer League, Acuff averaged 19 points, 5.3 assists, and one steal, helping lead the Kings to winning record.
Acuff's shooting splits were not strong, as he shot just 36.5% from the field, 26.3% from deep, and 64.3% from the free-throw line, but this is not uncommon for offensive guards finding heir footing at the next level.
Young is a notorious example of this, as he also struggled during his brief Summer League stint.
The former lottery pick posted very similar numbers, averaging 17.0 points, 6.8 assists, and one rebound per game, while struggling from the floor.
But, clearly this did not affect Young, as he went on to have a very strong rookie campaign, ending up on the All-Rookie Second Team.
While acquiring Young may have raised the current floor for the Kings, bringing in a young guard like Acuff allows the franchise to fill in spots around him and take advantage of his team-friendly rookie contract.
