Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: G Buddy Hield

Sacramento Kings Receive: F Trevor Ariza, F/C Mike Muscala, F Justin Jackson, LAC 2022 1st Round Pick (via OKC)

While they have had 14 consecutive losing seasons, the Sacramento Kings definitely have a group of young players that could lead them in the right direction not just this year, but for many years to come.

De’Aaron Fox is the face of the franchise in the backcourt and is in Sacramento for the long-haul, agreeing to a five-year, $163M extension this offseason, keeping him with the Kings through the 2025-26 season. Fox is the leader of a young core which also includes 2018 2nd overall pick Marvin Bagley III and rookie Tyrese Haliburton.

These three guys are the future of the organization and with Harrison Barnes being the experienced veteran on the team, they are definitely trending in the right direction, but need to bring in more established players that can contribute around their young core. This is why Trevor Ariza, Mike Muscala and Justin Jackson could all be perfect fits in Sacramento.

Not only has Buddy Hield consistently been one of the Kings better scoring options since he joined the organization in 2017, but with his frustrations setting in and the opportunity the Kings have to finally change their losing ways, it may be better to part ways with any negative energy on this roster for fresh faces who want to win now.

Buddy Hield’s relationship with the Kings’ front-office and his relationship with head coach Luke Walton has been pretty shaky over the years and if the Kings continue to struggle, Hield may want out of Sacramento. He definitely has a reason to be frustrated and as a result, he could be a player that ends up on the move near the trade deadline this season.

Oklahoma City is in the market for high-level talents to pair with their young core, which is why Buddy Hield could be an excellent fit for them. Let’s take a closer look as to why this trade makes sense for both the OKC Thunder and Sacramento Kings.