Does this trade make sense for the Sacramento Kings?
Given that Richaun Holmes is a free agent and the Kings could actually lose him in the offseason, they will need to have a backup plan at the center position. No big name is ever going to want to join the Kings in free agency until they can turn things around, which is why adding a young, former top pick in Mo Bamba could definitely make sense for them.
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His role in Orlando has been minimal through the years, but from this year’s NBA trade deadline on, Bamba averaged 20.8 minutes, 11.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks while shooting 46.9% from the floor and 33.7% from three-point range. All of these numbers were better than his season averages, which is why given the opportunity to play, Bamba can make a difference.
Given that the Kings play primarily through their backcourt with Fox, Halbiurton and Hield, all they need in a center is somebody who can protect the rim and grab rebounds, which is exactly what Bamba can do.
Offensively, he thrives in pick-and-roll sets as well given his ability to play well above the rim and the fact that he can actually shoot from beyond-the-arc as a 7-footer. Trading Marvin Bagley III leaves the Kings with a void in their frontcourt at the power-forward position, but trading him and getting Bamba is much better than losing Bagley next year and Holmes this offseason.
If Holmes does leave and the Kings are left with just Marvin Bagley III, they will be scrambling for answers and be set back even further in terms of a “rebuild.” For this reason alone is why the Kings should strongly consider making this trade with the Magic. They get a young center, as well as an early second-round pick, which is what they are going to need moving forward.
