Rumor: Kings open to trading down from fourth pick in NBA draft
After receiving the fourth pick in the 2022 NBA draft, the Sacramento Kings are reportedly open to trading down or out of the first round altogether, according to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer.
The Kings were slotted seventh entering the draft lottery and leaped up to fourth. Landing the fourth pick ensured the Kings have the opportunity to select a high-end player, but likely not one of the three elite-caliber prospects in Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren or Jabari Smith Jr.
Sacramento seemingly has several options to consider on draft night but is looking to acquire a player that can help them win now. The team could target that player in the draft or trade the pick in order to acquire them, according to the report.
Trading out of the draft is a possibility, but so is moving down. Sources say Sacramento is willing to move back for a lower pick and a player who would fit into the same trajectory as De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and Davion Mitchell.
The Kings enter next season looking to end their 16-year playoff drought, the longest streak in league history. They hired Golden State Warriors assistant coach Mike Brown as their next head coach last month to replace Alvin Gentry, who will transition into a front-office role.
The team will look to build around Fox, Sabonis and Mitchell as its core, and look to add it this offseason. It is unclear what type of player they could acquire with the fourth pick but the front office has a key asset they can use to build a trade package.
While it remains to be seen which direction the Kings will go, it is becoming apparent that the first shake-up on draft night could emanate from Sacramento.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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