Sacramento Kings: Picks #9, #39

Sacramento is in an interesting position because while they are definitely interested in adding a young, high-level talent to their team with the No. 9 overall pick, they are still a long way away from being a true playoff team in the Western Conference. De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Halbiruton are two very talented players in their backcourt, but outside of these two guys, there are a lot of unknowns on this roster. 

Buddy Hield, Marvin Bagley III and Harrison Barnes have all garnered trade interest from various teams around the league and Richaun Holmes is one of the better free agents available this offseason. The Kings could see some dramatic changes to their roster, which is why they are currently open to moving this No. 9 overall pick. 

According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, the Kings have shopped the No. 9 overall pick for players “who can help them win now.” Ben Simmons has been a major target for them in trade talks over the last several weeks, but Philadelphia is not willing to trade their All-Star big man unless De’Aaron Fox is involved in the deal according to Kyle Neubeck of Philly Voice. 

The Kings are unwilling to trade Fox as of right now, which is why trade talks for Ben Simmons in regards to the Kings have settled down. A Buddy Hield to the Lakers trade for Kyle Kuzma though remains a strong possibility and a possible trade scenario between these two teams can be viewed here. 

READ MORE: NBA Rumors: 3 trade scenarios we’d like to see during 2021 NBA Draft

This No. 9 pick in the draft is very available in trade talks and the Kings could even take this opportunity to move down a few spots in the draft to gain more assets. If they keep the pick, then Franz Wagner, Jalen Johnson, Kai Jones, Keon Johnson, Corey Kispert and Trey Murphy remain possible targets for them. 

Given all of the rumors they have been involved in and their willingness to move this pick, it seems likely that the Kings could trade out of this pick on draft night. They may not be able to get the high caliber, All-Star-like player they want, but the Kings is going to be aggressive in their search to add more overall talent to their roster this offseason.