Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings traded center Demarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans for a significant return. Now, how does that team fill their center needs in the 2017 NBA Draft? What about trading for Jahlil Okafor?
If you are a fan of the Kings, you simply ask “Why Bother?”. After all, the team is set with the eighth, tenth, and the 34th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Plus young talent led by Buddy Hield gives the team a leg up on a rebuild.
But rebuilding means selecting the right talent in the draft. That is not exactly the strong suit of the Kings. So it comes down to does a bird in the hand equal two in the bush? What if the team trades for Okafor with one pick?
What Role?
Similar to other teams, Okafor adds solid offense to the bench. If the team is confident in their ability to ace the draft, Okafor likely never gets a look. But if the Kings seek front court help, there really isn’t as much talent in this draft as other years. So the team will look to free agency or to the trade market.
What do the Kings offer in trade? As before, a young prospect with upside and two second round picks seem to be the going rate. Would the Kings give up a young prospect? If they believe the team improves as a result then yes.
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Ultimately, the team willing to trade for Jahlil Okafor must be certain they are getting a healthy player. Right now, even 76ers fans must concede that there are plenty of opaque issues where the health of players are concerned.
Perhaps that is the first step to any trade talks. Simple honesty.