The Sacramento Kings were hard to guard last year. Their offense gave opponents around the NBA fits. With Domantas Sabonis making plays on the elbow and the low block and De’Aaron Fox pressuring the rim, the Kings struck gold. This team had a lethal attack.
It didn’t get them particularly far in the postseason. The Kings gave the Golden State Warriors a run for their money in the first round, but they couldn’t vanquish them. As dynamic as their offense was, their defense failed them. What should the Kings do to ensure a deeper playoff run in 2023-24?
Many would suggest that the Kings need to acquire better defensive players. One could make that case. On the other hand, they could lean further into offense. If the Kings could acquire another offensive star, they may have too much firepower to fail. Could that star be Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers?
The Trade Proposal
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F Harrison Barnes, G/F Kevin Huerter, 2026 First-Round Pick (SAC), 2028 First-Round Pick (SAC), 2030 First-Round Pick (SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
Guarding the Cavaliers wasn’t nearly as difficult. This team especially struggled to produce points in the postseason. In some respects, they’re the philosophical opposites of the Kings. The Cavaliers are built to stop other teams from scoring.
Look at this team’s frontcourt. By doubling down on size, the Cavaliers built an elite defense. Evan Mobley garnered serious Defensive Player of the Year consideration at the 4, and Jarrett Allen is an elite rim protector. That dynamic was effective – on one end of the floor. On the other hand, it caused Cleveland to suffer. The combined spacing and general offensive ability of Mobley and Allen were problematic.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Sacramento Kings Updates
What should Cleveland do? That’s a difficult question to answer. In theory, they should trade Allen and shift Mobley to the 5. Yet, the Cavaliers have other problems as well. It’s being reported that Mitchell may have reservations about staying with the team long-term. Should the Cavaliers trade him with that in mind?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
Frankly, the Cavaliers should consider this trade whether Mitchell is open to staying with them or not. They’re getting a lot out of this deal. They’re getting precisely the types of players they need. This team has been crying out for a big wing like Barnes.
Of course, they’re getting him at the expense of a superstar here. Sure. At the same time, the Cavaliers arguably mismanaged their assets when they acquired Mitchell in the first place. This team wasn’t necessarily in a position where they were a player away from contention. This deal allows the Cavs to pump the breaks and see what they have in Mobley and Darius Garland.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Sacramento Kings Updates
It also gives them some ammunition to build a better team with them. Huerter is a great compliment to Garland as a plus-sized off-guard. Most importantly, the Cavaliers are bringing back three unprotected first-rounders here. Should the Kings give up so much for Mitchell?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
This is a bold move for the Kings. Many will argue that they ought to bolster their defense when their offense is already so strong. Fair. On the other hand, what happens when an unstoppable offense adds an unstoppable offensive player?
Think about it. Sabonis draws his assignment out of the paint. Fox is elite at getting to the paint. That dynamic has been potent enough for the Kings. What happens when they add a three-level scorer into the mix? This would be one of the most talented offensive trios in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Sacramento Kings Updates
Would they win a title? It’s doubtful, but it’s possible. Would it leave them without draft capital moving forward? Yes – but they’d have a trio of stars to show for it. If they were hard to guard last year, making this deal could make guarding the Kings impossible.
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