All the Sacramento Kings had to do in 2022-23 was make the playoffs. After all, this team had missed the postseason for 16 consecutive seasons. That was an NBA record. The Kings had to break that record – no matter what.
Mission accomplished. In fact, the Kings didn’t just make the playoffs – they had homecourt advantage in the first round. The Kings had the best offense in the entire NBA throughout the regular season.
In the playoffs, it didn’t matter. The Kings lost to the Golden State Warriors in the first round. Next year, a first round exit will not satisfy the Kings. Could that inspire them to trade Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers?
The Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G/F Kevin Huerter, G/F Malik Monk, F Keegan Murray, G Davion Mitchell, 2026 First-Round Pick (SAC), 2028 First-Round Pick (SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: G/F Paul George
By contrast, the Clippers had a much higher bar heading into 2022-23. Why wouldn’t they? The Clippers had George and Kawhi Leonard. They had ample depth around them. This team had championship aspirations.
What happened? The same thing that happened to the Kings. The Clippers were eliminated in the first round. How? Injuries. Kawhi Leonard was a scratch for most of the season.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers & Sacramento Kings Updates
George was in and out of the lineup. Now, plenty of folks are asking whether the Clippers will continue to invest in a duo that’s consistently hurt. Is this the right way to move on from George?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
This would not be an easy decision for the Clippers to make. Moving on from what was supposed to be a title-winning duo will be painful. If this deal is on the table, they should rip off the bandaid. The Clippers are restocking their cupboard here. They can’t afford to turn this deal down.
Obviously, the package is highlighted by Murray. This was an All-Rookie player in 2022-23. Murray could be part of the Clippers’ core for a decade to come.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers & Sacramento Kings Updates
With that said, Mitchell is one of the best young defensive guards in the NBA. Huerter is a starting-caliber player, and Monk isn’t far from that level either. Throw in a pair of unprotected first-round picks, and this is an offer the Clippers can’t refuse. Should the Kings make it?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
By contrast, the Kings would have to think long and hard about this deal. Ultimately, they should make it anyway. Are they draining their depth? Yes. The Kings would be threadbare following this deal. Their second unit would be painfully thin.
So what? They’d also have one of the very best trios in the entire NBA. George would be joining Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox to form a bonafide super team in Sacramento.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers & Sacramento Kings Updates
He’s also exactly what they need. George is an elite defender, and the Kings struggled on that end last season. If they can fill out their bench with cheap role players, who knows? The Kings could get a lot further than the first round of the playoffs next season.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
