The Sacramento Kings have a win-now core of players, only lacking point guard depth, but they have been linked to three free agents who entered the league surrounded by hype.
The Sacramento Kings missed the postseason in each of the last two seasons, but seem to have built a win-now core with veterans Dennis Schroder, Malik Monk, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis.
While the core is eerily similar to the Chicago Bulls’ at the start of the decade, with LaVine and DeRozan playing starring roles, the Kings are trying to remove themselves from decades of ineptitude with a new front office.
With Keon Ellis, Devin Carter, Nique Clifford, and Keegan Murray coming off the bench, Sacramento has a solid second unit, although they have been linked to several former top draft picks.
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesKings linked to Ben Simmons and Russell Westbrook
Ben Simmons was picked first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft and made three All-Star Games before injuries and “the yips” derailed his career. Russell Westbrook was picked fourth overall in 2008 and is a surefire Hall-of-Famer who is simply past his prime.
In an effort to add defense, explosiveness, and a veteran leader, the Kings have been linked to both free agents.
“We are still anticipating the Kings to be bringing in another veteran guard,” reported insider Jake Fischer.
“And Ben Simmons is on that list of potential targets in addition to Russell Westbrook.”
Both Simmons and Westbrook are barely holding onto their NBA careers. Westbrook found success last season with the Denver Nuggets, although recent stints with the LA Clippers and Lakers have tarnished his reputation.
Simmons, still reeling from his blunders in the 2022 Eastern Conference playoffs, is perhaps the least confident offensive player in the entire league, although he is still a plus defender.
“Generally speaking, the Kings are still a player in the veteran guard market,” Fischer continued. “And you can absolutely put Ben Simmons in that conversation.”
Both Simmons and Westbrook would be brought in as a second or third-string guard, and would have to grapple with the clear demotion and play for a small-market team with long-shot playoff odds.
While the Kings seemingly decide between those two players, another former top pick clinging to what’s left of his NBA career could be on their radar.
Kings could bring back Markelle Fultz on cheap deal
Markelle Fultz was picked first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2017 draft and is considered one of the biggest busts of all time. His jump shot, which was re-worked early in his career, never took off, and shoulder injuries have long since slowed him down.
After two seasons with the Sixers, he was traded to the Orlando Magic, where he struggled to stay healthy, although he was a solid backup guard when he could play. Midway through last season, he was picked up by the Kings on a one-year deal and didn’t make much noise.
In 21 games in Sacramento, Fultz averaged 2.9 points and 1.3 assists.
On paper, Westbrook is the most talented of the trio, although Fultz, who is used to playing second or third fiddle by now, would likely be the best veteran mentor for Clifford and Carter, who are expected to be the defensive core of the Kings in the coming seasons.
While none of these players will boost the Kings’ title odds, the three point guards might be the better remaining free agents on the market who could be enticed to play in Sacramento.