NBA Trade Rumors: Kings Ready to Shop 2 Stars and 13th Pick Amid Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram Links

As the NBA finals are approaching, it’s high time for the team that did not make it there to stronghold their position in the NBA draft. However, many rumors and mock drafts are moving in the NBA community ahead of the real one on June 26-27. One of the most discussed mock drafts of these is Jimmy Butler or Brandon Ingram‘s trade to the Sacramento Kings. Butler is a high-caliber basketball player who can elevate the Kings’ level on the court. On the other hand, Brandon Ingram’s ball-handling skills might be more compatible with Kings key players De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.

However, the latest updates as per NBA Insider for Forbes Sports, the Kings “intend to shop the No. 13 overall pick along with future draft capital to aggressively hunt a win-now piece.” As per Evan Sidery, there are also rumors that the Kings will go to discuss trade with Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter due to their underwhelming performance. Moreover, another factor for them is their age factor. In addition to that, the Kings want to prove their mettle in the league by utilizing De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis’ prime years, according to Sidery’s prediction.

The most compatible who can suit well with Kings’ stars Fox and Sabonis is Brandon Ingram. The Pelicans ‘s playmaker usually lands in trouble, for he has somehow to get the ball to New Orleans Pelicans’ forward Zion Williamson. On the other hand, he will not have to face the same trouble as both Fox and Sabonis, who are playmakers. All three of them together will make one of the league’s most subtle offenses. Though Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter’s shooting can go missed, Ingram will be far better than them at creating the play for his team.

How can Jimmy Butler elevate the Kings’ roster?

First things first, it does not matter what Jimmy Butler has done in the past. However, what his current record is and what he can bring to the table is what matters most for the Sacramento Kings. The 34-year-old Heat forward has averaged 20.8 points per game, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists this season. But the stats that should matter most for the Kings are 41.4% baskets from three-pointers on 2.4/game and 85.8% from the free throw line on 7.7/game.

Creating space on the court has been a big trouble for the Kings so far in the league during the games. Butler’s three-pointers will add to their strength. Moreover, the beyond-the-arc shots from Butler also increased to 35% in comparison to 25% prior to the 2022-23 season. However, it is still risky to ignore the past data since Butler will be injury-prone in upcoming years. It is something that the Sacramento Kings might take risks with.

Overall, a high-IQ basketball player will surely add a lot to a potentially dangerous Kings offense. However, it depends on the Kings if they will be able to offer Butler an appealing contract. Well, that will get clear in the NBA draft. Until then, keep visiting to get the latest updates, and make sure to watch out for what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the marketing genius in the following video.