Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – LAL)
Sacramento Kings Receive: F Gordon Hayward
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Harrison Barnes, G/F Kelly Oubre. Jr, G Terrance Davis
Of course, the mere notion of the Kings making a playoff run will a foreign concept to our younger readers.
Fair enough. The Kings haven’t made the postseason in 16 years. That’s not just a significant drought – it’s the longest in NBA history. With that said, life wasn’t always so difficult for the Kings.
In fact, for a time in the early 2000s, the Kings were a powerhouse. Between Chris Webber, Peja Stojakovic, Vlade Divac, and one of Mike Bibby or Jason Williams, the Kings were one of the most exciting teams in the NBA.
They ran a motion-heavy, high-octane offense that dazzled audiences. If they hadn’t run into a Los Angeles Lakers dynasty, they could have added a Larry O’Brien trophy to their franchise history.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers & Charlotte Hornets Updates
Unfortunately, it’s been bleak for the Kings since then. The Demarcus Cousins era was especially rough. The Kings were unable to surround Cousins with enough talent to make a playoff run. Cousins never saw the postseason during his run as a star player with the organization.
Luckily, the Kings have an intriguing mix of talent heading into 2022-23. In fact, they have the best chance to end that historic drought that they’ve had in some time. Does landing Hayward add to those chances?
