Oklahoma City’s breakout playmaker could be Sacramento's missing piece. Discover why trading the seventh pick for this rising offensive maestro might ignite a new era for the Kings.
With the Sacramento Kings picking at No. 7 overall in the draft, and the Oklahoma City Thunder yet to lose a game in this year's playoffs, the two franchises are in a very different place.
However, the two squads have been linked by Thunder point guard Ajay Mitchell, who was one of the most improved players in the NBA during the regular season and has shined in the postseason.
After starting just one game last season, Mitchell saw much more action and opportunity, averaging 13.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game in 57 appearances.
The 6-foot-4 UC Santa Barbara product elevated his play thus far in the postseason, jumping up to 18.8 points per contest in the Thunder's eight victories.
This past series, against the Los Angeles Lakers, Mitchell recorded 18 or more points in each game, including a career-high 28 in Oklahoma City's closeout victory.
In game 4, Mitchell got wherever he wanted on the offensive end, using poise and pace to attack the rim and get to his spots.
Mitchell plays like the game is moving slower than it is, always looking under control and making sound decisions.
Many analysts and sports media members have identified Mitchell as a possible Jalen Brunson-type player, who can turn into much more on a team with more opportunity.
Of course, Brunson got his opportunity to be "the guy" after leaving the Dallas Mavericks to sign with the New York Knicks, which could be a similar situation for Mitchell and the Kings.
Mitchell, who is making less than $3 million this season, is under contract for one more year with the Thunder, but will definitely command trade interest following the season.
If Sacramento decided to hand the keys to Mitchell, one potential option is moving back to No. 12 with the Thunder, acquiring Mitchell for the No. 7 overall pick.
While the Kings would miss out on one of the talented guard options within the back-half of the lottery, they would get their lead guard of the future without having to worry about drafting the "right" prospect.
There are also multiple intriguing prospects being mocked to pick No. 12, including Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg or Kentucky's Jayden Quaintance.
Of course, the dilemma Sacramento would face is keeping Mitchell beyond next season. But, if the former second-rounder found his footing within the Kings' offense, Mitchell could be the offensive maestro to lead them out of this rebuilding era.
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