Goodnews: kings makes early targets for three NBA super stars in the 2024 free agency
In order to strengthen their squad, the Kings may target these three players in the summer.
In the Play-In Tournament, the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Sacramento Kings. After finishing as the third seed in the Western Conference in 2023, they had a poor season. The Kings’ ability to use free agency going into the offseason will be crucial to strengthening their squad.
Without Zion Williamson, Sacramento’s loss to the Pelicans was particularly depressing. With their greatest player out of the game, New Orleans still maintained control of the game.
The front office needs to aggressively surround De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and Keegan Murray with a stronger supporting cast in light of this loss.
Having stated that, let’s discuss the first three Kings NBA free agents that will be available in the 2024 offseason.
OG Anunoby
OG Anunoby, a two-way forward, is expected to turn down his player option and become a free agent in the offseason. The New York Knicks are sure they can get him back under contract. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to extend a contract offer to him by the Kings.
Anunoby is the ideal player that the Kings ought to target. In addition to being a reliable third or fourth option on attack, he is among the league’s top perimeter defenders. He scored 14.7 points, grabbed 4.2 rebounds, dished out 2.1 assists, and stole 1.4 steals a game this season. Anunoby had a field goal percentage of 48.9 and a deep shot percentage of 38.2.
Sacramento’s issue is that, barring a sign-and-trade agreement, they probably wouldn’t be allowed to sign Anunoby. Unlike the previous offseason, they don’t have the cap space to go out and sign Anunoby to a hefty deal.
Harrison Barnes or Kevin Huerter would be included in a sign-and-trade for matching contracts. After that, they might add a young player or a draft pick.
Despite the fact that Anunoby is unlikely to be interested in a sign-and-trade given New York’s success, the Kings should still make an effort.
Derrick Jones Jr.
Derrick Jones Jr., a defensive forward who has been a starter for the Dallas Mavericks this season, is another player Sacramento should look into. He can play both inside and outside the arc and has demonstrated strong defensive play.
In a game, the 27-year-old forward scored 8.6 points, pulled down 3.3 rebounds, and gave one assist. He made a career-high 34.3 percent of his long-range shots and 48.3 percent of his field goals.
Jones Jr. is a capable forward that the Kings should include in their lineup. With Jones Jr., who is renowned for his defense and quickness, Mike Brown would have a reliable true forward off the bench.
Andre Drummond
The Kings must also take care of their backup center position. Although Alex Len and JaVale McGee have not performed well as the typical backup big men, Trey Lyles has fulfilled his duty as a small ball five.
Domantas Sabonis may have Andre Drummond fill that role as a reliable backup center. Being one of the top rebounders in the game, the 30-year-old will be a top target for many clubs come free agency.
Drummond shot 55.6 percent from the floor this season, averaging 8.4 points and nine rebounds. Considering he was only playing 17.4 minutes per game, his stats are astounding.
Drummond is strong and large enough to battle against elite big men like Anthony Davis and Nikola Jokic if Sabonis gets into foul trouble. In the offseason, Sacramento ought to make Drummond a major goal.
The Western Conference is already quite competitive and will only get stronger the next year. Teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets, who were eliminated from the Play-In Tournament, ought to improve and make a run at the playoffs. As they recover, the Memphis Grizzlies will also improve.
Sacramento needs to improve if it is to compete in the West going forward. Drummond, Jones Jr., and Anunoby ought to be the Kings’ main objectives.
