The Sacramento Kings were a surprise team in the NBA last season. They finished third in the Western Conference after being 12th the year before. Heading into the playoffs, they took on the Warriors in the first round but lost in seven games. After the series, there were questions surrounding their roster, specifically, what they would do regarding the starting wing position.
Harrison Barnes was a free agent before signing an extension with the Kings in the off-season. The team thought about going in another direction and looking to other players in the market. They thought about adding Kyle Kuzma, but he re-signed with the Wizards for more money. The other player was from Toronto.
On that note, the Kings could still trade for Raptors’ OG Anunoby in this bold proposal. Let’s look at a proposal that would get the job done.
The Trade Proposal
Sacramento Kings Receive: F OG Anunoby
Toronto Raptors Receive: F Harrison Barnes, 2026 First-Round Pick (SAC), 2028 First-Round Pick (SAC)
Given how much money is involved, the trade would make sense for both teams. Anunoby is owed slightly more, making $18 million for the next two seasons. As for Barnes’s salary will increase across the next three seasons, making $17 million in the upcoming year.
Barnes is currently the longest-tenured Kings player in the starting lineup. The team has already thought about going another route and can keep their options open. The trade can’t happen until January, but he could be a piece thrown into the mix to upgrade their roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Sacramento Kings Updates
For the Raptors, Anunoby might end up looking elsewhere either way. Toronto might not have enough capital to give him the max, especially because their best player, Pascal Siakam, will most likely receive one himself. The Raptors must decide between Anunoby and Siakam, which might become problematic.
Both teams look to upgrade their roster and maybe add different pieces by the trade deadline. Therefore, here is some insight as to why each team might want to make this trade.
Why The Sacramento Kings Make This Deal
The Kings are looking to make a push this season and make it past the first round in the playoffs. Barnes is currently 31 years old and at the end of his prime. Sacramento gets back a proven 3-and-D player who is still heading into his best years.
Anunoby averaged 16.8 points per game on the Raptors’ 38.7% three-point shooting last season. Defensively, he averaged 1.9 steals per game and was in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year for most of last season. He finished as the NBA steals champion and on the All-Defensive second team.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Sacramento Kings Updates
Anunoby is clearly an upgrade from Barnes in all facets of the game. He also brings championship experience to a young team looking to make some noise again in the West. The Kings were ranked 24th in team defense, where they can use Anunoby most. It helps them compete with the better teams, and he can guard the best player. For example, he will guard the likes of Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and LeBron James.
Why The Sacramento Kings Make This Deal
The Raptors had a disappointing season last year. They just made it into the play-in game but lost and so they missed the playoffs. They might look like a different team with a new coach and system in place. That is where Barnes could be a solid pickup. They can also get future picks and keep the team competitive in the long term.
Barnes played and started in all 82 games for the Kings last season. That might not sound impressive. However, given how many players suffered from injury and teams that chose load management to sit players out, it is a breath of fresh air. Besides starting, he averaged a respectable 15 points a game on 47% shooting.
The Raptors already have players that can score the ball. Siakam will primarily be the team leader in points per game. They also have Scottie Barnes and Gary Trent Jr., who will demand the ball and expect to score. That means giving away Anunoby, who has expressed he wants to be more involved in the offense might not be a bad idea. Barnes is a formidable replacement, and he probably won’t ask for the ball much and play a similar role that he had on the Kings.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Sacramento Kings Updates
For both teams, the trade could serve well for their direction. The Kings remain young and improve defensively. The Raptors still get the scoring output and a veteran with championship experience in the league who can be solid in the locker room.
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