The NBA Trade Deadline is just one month away, and there are already numerous big-time players and teams to monitor. This includes the Sacramento Kings, who are reportedly interested in making a trade this season. Recently, they shockingly fired head coach Mike Brown. At 15-19, the Kings are not where they want to be, and they could continue to shake things up. And according to recent reports, there is one specific player the Kings are targeting–Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic (subscription required), the Kings and Nets “have had extensive talks” about Johnson.
“For now, with the Kings (15-19) sitting 12th in the West, team sources say they are focusing on improving the current roster while shutting down any and all inquiries regarding Fox. Specifically, the Kings are known to have had extensive talks with the Brooklyn Nets about small forward Cameron Johnson. There is an internal awareness that the roster needs to be improved, and the Johnson pursuit is just one of many avenues the Kings are known to be exploring,” Amick wrote.
Sacramento Kings Are Reportedly Pursuing Brooklyn Nets’ Cameron Johnson
The Sacramento Kings Could Trade Star
In a separate report (subscription required), Amick named Kings guard De’Aaron Fox a legitimate trade candidate. The Kentucky alum opted against a contract extension last offseason and may decide against one again next summer. Additionally, other teams around the league have expressed interest in Fox. However, according to Amick, a trade involving Fox this season does not seem likely. Instead, there is a better chance the Kings move the former All-Star in the offseason.
“While league sources say Fox has not asked for a trade, that hasn’t stopped interested teams from planning for a possible run at the 27-year-old former All-Star. Among interested teams, there is a strong belief that Fox is more likely to be available this summer rather than before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.”
Amick named the San Antonio Spurs as the team reportedly most interested in Fox. Additionally, Amick named the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and the Los Angeles Lakers as other teams interested in the guard.
If the Kings land Johnson from the Nets, it would be interesting to see what they do with Fox. It could be in their best interest to keep Fox through the season, barring a trade request, and seeing everything through. If Fox makes it clear to the team that he will not sign an extension in the summer, moving him then as opposed to by February could give them the most value.
The Last Word
The season is still relatively young, but the Kings are not looking great. They own the No. 12 seed in the West and are in danger of missing the playoffs once again. Firing Brown could help them get things back on track. However, as it stands, there are more reasons to be concerned about the Kings than not. A trade could be on the horizon for Sacramento. Whether that involves Johnson or not remains to be seen.
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