The Sacramento Kings are once again on the outside looking in on a potential playoff spot in the Western Conference. On the other hand, the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets are trying to compete in the East. Richaun Holmes is a name that has come up often in trade rumors.
The Kings have played better of late, winning three of their last four games, but a nine-game losing streak in February put them in a deep hole to climb out of.
Sacramento is 3.5 games outside of the final play-in spot in the Western Conference, but it is anyone’s guess what they will do at the trade deadline. They acquired center Mifondu Kabengele from the LA Clippers, but may not be done. Could that have been a precursor for a move on the horizon?
The Kings have been shopping big man Marvin Bagley III, but to no avail. Buddy Hield is someone that has been mentioned in trade rumors as well, going back to the offseason. Now, another player has entered the rumor mill in Richaun Holmes.
Holmes picked a great time for a career season, as he is set to hit free agency this summer. He is averaging 13.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks in 30.2 minutes per game. His production has caught the eyes of some teams around the league and is drawing interest with the trade deadline two days away.
According to the subscription-based The Athletic, several teams have expressed interest in Holmes, with the Raptors and Hornets being two teams that were named. It comes as no surprise those were two teams mentioned, as both have needs at the center spot. A trade with the Kings could be exactly what they need.
Toronto has struggled to overcome the losses of Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka, while Charlotte is in the market for a long-term answer in the middle, with Bismack Biyombo and Cody Zeller set to hit free agency following this season.
At 27 years old, Holmes should have a strong market this offseason. He is a great rim protector and improving offensive player. The potential is there for him to expand his range, as he is making 81.3 percent of his free throws this season and 73.8 percent in his career.
Plenty of teams would be willing to bet that this season is only the scratching of the surface for Holmes, who has blossomed the last two seasons with the Kings.
