Is something cooking in Sacramento? Well, the Kings already made one of the biggest moves this summer by adding DeMar DeRozan. But as it turns out, they are not done yet. Sac Town has reportedly traded recently acquired Jalen McDaniels to the Spurs along with a future second-round pick and cash considerations. In return though, they are only getting next year’s Top-55 protected second-round pick. As expected, fans are left scratching their heads following the baffling trade. However, veteran insider Trevor Laner believes this might be part of the Kings’ bigger plan as the $5.8 million room could lead to a former Lakers star’s pursuit.

As per the reports, the Spurs plan on waiving Jalen McDaniels right away. Meanwhile, the Kings would have cleared $4.7 million in salary space with his departure, now putting them $5.8 million below the luxury tax threshold. And Trevor Lane is noticing a pattern, “The Kings’ side is really interesting because the Kings attached a couple of second-round picks to Sasha Vezenkov in addition to Davion Mitchell in order to Jettison Vezenkov to the Raptors. Coming back from the Raptors was McDaniels.”

Yes, it was only four months ago that the Kings gave up a bunch of assets to acquire Jalen McDaniels. Without him playing a single game, he’s already been moved to the San Antonio side. “Now the Kings are taking another second and attaching it to McDaniels… $5.8 million below the luxury tax threshold. That tells me, Donnie (his co-host), something is coming,” Trevor Lane remarked.

That ‘something’ could be the pursuit of NBA Champion Kyle Kuzma as the insider wondered on The Basketball Bulletin, “There’s a few guys that are out there. Could this be, what about a Kyle Kuzma move? He is right around that $20 million range where maybe you could build something to get up to him.”

With 3 years left on his deal and $23.5 million owed in salary next season, De’Aaron Fox and Co. could make room for Kyle Kuzma if they decide to part ways with Kevin Huerter, who will make $16.8 million next season. Combining his contract with their current flexibility, and suddenly adding a superstar in Kuzma is not a far-fetched idea anymore!

He could be a great option to boost their title aspirations, as he is a solid two-way player with championship experience. Last season, Kuzma averaged 22.2 points and over 4 assists. While he is a great wing player, the Kings do have other potential targets they could choose from.

Who could the Kings be targeting after the Jalen McDaniels trade?

Obviously, the availability of $5.8 million has left the fans wondering who the Kings will go after. Upon discussion, Trevor Lane and Donnie Freeman threw in a bunch of names as potential targets. While Kyle Kuzma is a solid option, the latter suggested the Kings could be eyeing Brandon Ingram because he has been in trade rumors all summer and isn’t getting his desired extension from the Pels.

But with $36 million left on his deal for just one season, Trevor Lane believes the Kings might not be able to afford him, “It’s tough to make the math quite get there.” However, the insider believed his co-host was on the right track. “I think you’re onto something that it could be a wing-type player the Kings go after.”

Sure enough, that makes players like Jerami Grant and Cam Johnson potential targets, who could all provide the team with a lot of versatility on both ends. Following the McDaniels trade, the Kings are mandated to make a move before the season begins, “Now they have 13 guaranteed contracts on their books. They must add someone. They have to reach that league minimum of 14 and now they have $5.8 million in wiggle room to do so.”

Although the true purpose of the Kings’ recent move remains unknown, Trevor Lane named one player as their most likely target, “I think though the one I’m gonna land on, I’m gonna say it’s Cam Johnson.”

With a similar salary to Kyle Kuzma, the Nets star is a decent all-around forward who can guard multiple positions and put the ball in the basket when needed. And he has also been in trade rumors across the summer. So, making a move for him is a big possibility. But whoever the Kings acquire, it is clear that they are willing to go all in to get into the title picture this year. What are your thoughts?

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.