Headed into their second offseason under the guidance of general manager Scott Perry, the Sacramento Kings find themselves in a similar place to when he took over.

At his introductory press conference, he was clear in stating the team’s blatant need for a starting point guard. Ironically, they had just traded franchise point guard De’Aaron Fox for Zach LaVine months prior.

In an attempt to fill that void, Perry signed free agent Dennis Schroder to a three-year, $45-million deal. Future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook also joined the group following the preseason.

Westbrook ended up earning the starting spot over Schroder, and their largest free agent signing was traded away in his first season with Sacramento. This season’s exit press conferences held the same message with Schroder gone and Westbrook expiring.

Former Sacramento Kings head coach and general manager Jerry Reynolds joined The Drive Guys, A.K.A Kevin “Whitey” Gleason and Allen Stiles, to discuss their options.

“I think what (Christie) needs is what I call a lead guard because, like you point out, in today’s game you don’t have the Chris Paul types much anymore that really just are the coaches on the floor and direct everything,” Reynolds said. “But, yeah, you need that one guy that when push comes to shove is going to control the game for you.”

Just like any team, their three avenues for doing so will be the draft, trades, and free agency. Perhaps selecting someone like Arkansas’s Darius Acuff or Houston’s Kingston Flemings could fill that void.

Or maybe a more proven talent could be acquired.  Two-time All-Star Ja Morant is expected to be on the trade block after the Grizzlies appear to be starting a rebuild, moving on from Jaren Jackson Jr. during the season.

“With Ja, you know how terrific he was early on in his career,” Reynolds told The Drive Guys. “He was extremely productive, but the truth is, the last three years, he has not been productive when he played, which hasn’t been a lot, and you’ve got to worry.”

“I mean, I’ve always said the way he played, it kind of reminds me of Derrick Rose, who was certainly better, but the athleticism was what made them just absolutely special, and as they get into the years, they get beat up physically. Like, how is he? Kind of like running backs in football. I mean, it can be awfully good for three years, and pretty soon that five and a half yards becomes three and a half.”

Morant played in just 20 games for the Grizzlies last season, though their poor record left little reason for him to be out there in the later stages. The year prior, he participated in 50 games, and just nine the year before.

Set to make roughly $86 million over the next two seasons, the Kings would have to be willing to take on a notable financial commitment. Given their current salary complications, that could prove to be complicated but not impossible.

But would he fit into Perry’s six pillars and the style of play he and Christie are striving for in Sacramento?

Check out the full conversation with Jerry Reynolds at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule

Tuesday, April 14th – NBA Play-In Tournament begins
Saturday, April 18th – NBA Playoffs begin
Sunday, May 10th – NBA Draft Lottery
Thursday, June 4th– NBA Finals begin
Thursday, June 25th – NBA Draft (Round 1)
Friday, June 26th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official

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