Kings Form Fox-Sabonis Duo; What’s The Ceiling?

Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

It did not take long for the Sacramento Kings to steal the show on Tuesday ahead of the NBA trade deadline, and not in a good way to many.

Shortly after C.J. McCollum was sent to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Kings agreed to a deal centered around Tyrese Haliburton that landed them two-time All-Star forward Domantas Sabonis. 

The trade is laid out like this; the Indiana Pacers received Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tristan Thompson in exchange for Domantas Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb, Justin Holiday, and a 2027 second-round pick.

You mean the Kings received an All-Star caliber forward who is averaging 18.9 points and 12.1 rebounds per game while giving up just one player who mattered to the franchise? And they did not have to give up a draft pick? Seems like a no-brainer. The problem is, the player was Haliburton.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Trade Grades: Reviewing Kings-Pacers Swap For Sabonis, Haliburton

Haliburton is a 21-year-old point guard who is averaging 14.3 points and 7.4 assists per game this season. He is shooting 41.1% from the three-point line in 109 career games. This has many bent out of shape because the Kings chose De’Aaron Fox over Haliburton. New flash, Fox is a better player than Haliburton and is just 24 years old himself.

Fox is a better scorer and athlete overall. His assist numbers are comparable to Haliburton and is much faster in the open floor. Fox is struggling to shoot the ball this season and is not getting to the rim as often. The floor will open up with Sabonis, who can step out and knock down an outside shot. 

It might not be as simple as the Sacramento Kings choosing Fox over Haliburton. Maybe the Pacers would not do this deal unless Haliburton was in it. That seems likely. Also, Haliburton is not making any money just yet. Fox is in the first year of a five-year max deal. The Kings could either remain where they are in mediocrity or try to build a new duo. They did just that and it is a good one.

Now, the question remains, can De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis fit? 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Trade Grades: Reviewing Kings-Pacers Swap For Sabonis, Haliburton

Fox will have to improve as a pick-and-roll guard and dribble hand-off guy. This also means Davion Mitchell will have to mature quickly and be that backcourt mate for Fox moving forward. Down low, Sabonis joins Richaun Holmes, which makes for a strong frontcourt. It is clear that Sacramento was interested in getting the best player in this deal.

When looking at their ceiling, with the team right now it is the postseason. To make it this year seems unlikely. The Kings are currently three games behind New Orleans for the 10th spot in the Western Conference and 7.5 games behind the Los Angeles Lakers for No. 9. This gives Sacramento a foundation for the offseason and heading into next year.

Is this a team that can win a title? Clearly not. There are only a handful of teams that can win each year. Look at the Lakers and the debacle they have been. It is not an easy thing to do. With a few more moves in the offseason to solidify the roster with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, the Kings could be ready to break what will be a 16-year postseason drought next year.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Trade Grades: Reviewing Kings-Pacers Swap For Sabonis, Haliburton

Kings’ fans, do not be too distraught over this trade. Yes, Haliburton has shown signs over his first year-plus in the league, and no, the Kings are not a win-now team. That could change in the offseason if the front office remains aggressive. At the end of the day, this is a deal that should be viewed as a wait-and-see ordeal. 

What we do know is that the Sacramento Kings got the best player in the trade and the best player the team has had in nearly six years, since DeMarcus Cousins. And let’s remember, the team still has all draft picks after this deal. Those are all positives that have the Kings moving in the right direction.

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