Sources: Inside Kings’ Trade Goals For Marvin Bagley III

Marvin Bagley III, Kings
NBA Analysis Network

Once a highly talked about prospect heading into the 2018 NBA Draft, Marvin Bagley III has gone from being a No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft to riding the bench for the Sacramento Kings.

Now in the final year of his rookie contract, Bagley’s future with the Kings seems to be in question, especially since the 22-year-old forward has missed close to 50% of his team’s total games since entering the league. 

When he is on the court, Bagley is definitely a contributing player, as he has averaged 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 0.8 blocks, and has shot 50.0% from the floor, 31.4% from three-point range through the first three years of his career, but injuries have limited his ability to become a key element of the Kings’ future. 

As a result, the Sacramento Kings looked to move Marvin Bagley III at last year’s trade deadline, as well as this past offseason, but have been unable to find the right deal/value they are looking for.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Best & Worst Midseason Trade Destinations For Marvin Bagley III

Sources have told NBA Analysis Network that the Kings are interested in trading their former second overall draft pick, but are looking to get first-round value in return right now. 

After not extending his contract prior to the start of the season, Bagley is set to become a restricted free agent next offseason. Seeing as a team trading for him would have all the leverage in terms of keeping him long-term, the Kings’ forward could suddenly become one of the hottest names on the open market as the 2021-22 season progresses. 

Sacramento kept Bagley out of their opening night lineup and through three games so far this season, he has played just 10 minutes in one game. It is very clear to see that Marvin Bagley III is frustrated with this organization and his management does not seem to want him there long-term after the organization declined to offer him a contract extension. 

If the Kings do look to trade Marvin Bagley III before the end of 2021, there should definitely be some suitors out there who are interested in the young forward, but it is unknown if they would be willing to offer up a first-round pick for him.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Best & Worst Midseason Trade Destinations For Marvin Bagley III

Both playoff-contending teams and rebuilding teams could have a use for a guy like Bagley in their frontcourt though, which could ultimately drag trade talks out longer than Sacramento would like at this stage. 

Keeping Marvin Bagley this season is something that is not necessarily “out the window” yet for the Kings either, but a lot of relationship mending would have to be done between the two sides. It is no secret that Bagley is unhappy in his current situation and with all of the frontcourt talent the Kings added in the offseason — making it logical for them to just part ways right now.

The Kings did not offer him a contract extension to keep him long-term. Moving on from Bagley now ensures that Sacramento can get immediate value, instead of just letting his contract expire and letting him sign elsewhere in the offseason.

The Kings have not made the playoffs for 15 consecutive seasons and while they are looking to snap that streak this year, things definitely seem bleak for this organization.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Best & Worst Midseason Trade Destinations For Marvin Bagley III

De’Aaron Fox is an All-Star caliber talent at the point guard position and they have some other young, promising-looking players in Tyrese Haliburton and Davion Mitchell, but this roster is still a long way from being anything special. 

Moving Marvin Bagley III to gain more talent for the future is something Sacramento is interested in, but they will not be trading away the young forward for just anything. Getting solid value in return that can help them move forward is going to be a key point of emphasis in trade negotiations, just like they will be with sharpshooter Buddy Hield as the trade deadline approaches this season. 

If a team is willing to offer a first-round pick within the next two years, as well as a rotational player that the Kings can utilize this season, then Sacramento will be willing to talk about deals involving Bagley, but as of right now, no team around the league have offered up this kind of value for him.

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