Pascal Siakam joined the Indiana Pacers in January 2024, after the team outbid the Sacramento Kings in the race to trade for him. This move was influenced by Siakam’s disinterest in extending his contract with the Kings over the summer. Noted NBA insider Sam Amick confirmed that Siakam harbors resentment towards the Kings for making negative comments about his playing style, which he eventually discovered.
Amick explained, “For better or worse on Siakam’s side, his camp inferred that over the years, there had been somewhat disparaging behind-the-scenes remarks from the Kings about his game. These comments, framed to me as attempts to lower his trade value, had gotten back to him as gossipy feedback.”
Siakam maintained an impressive average of 21.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game during his tenure with the Pacers, playing a pivotal role in propelling the team to the Eastern Conference Finals. His contributions solidified his status as a cornerstone of the franchise’s future, alongside Tyrese Haliburton, following his signing of a lucrative four-year, $189.5 million contract extension.
Meanwhile, the Kings struggled to secure impactful frontcourt additions during the winter, reportedly showing interest in players like Kyle Kuzma. Their failure to bolster their roster was glaringly exposed when Malik Monk’s injury in March exposed their lack of depth. As a result, the Kings plummeted from a top-six position in the Western Conference standings to finishing as the No. 9 seed and losing in the Play-In Tournament.
The addition of a player of Siakam’s caliber could have potentially mirrored the impact seen with the Mavericks after acquiring P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford. Now facing a critical offseason, the Kings must make significant moves to enhance their core and elevate their competitiveness heading into the next season.
The Sacramento Kings Should Be Buyers In The 2024 Offseason
The Kings are under considerable pressure to enhance their roster this summer despite strong performances from De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis this past season. The team’s inconsistency around them contributed to their struggles.
While locking in Malik Monk with a four-year, $78 million extension was a smart move before he hit free agency, the focus now shifts to further improvements. Players like Harrison Barnes, Davion Mitchell, Kevin Huerter, and others could be involved in trade discussions, with Zach LaVine already linked to the Kings.
During the winter, the Wizards were willing to part ways with Kyle Kuzma, who declined a trade to the Dallas Mavericks after negotiations were set in motion by the teams. Kuzma’s impressive stats last season—22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists—make him an appealing fit alongside Sabonis and Fox. The key will be ensuring Kuzma is receptive to the trade, potentially valuing contention in Sacramento over his current situation in Washington.
With the 13th pick in the upcoming 2024 Draft, the Kings possess a valuable asset that could facilitate a trade for Kuzma, LaVine, or be used to select a player ready to contribute immediately while also considering long-term plans. However, maintaining the status quo for another season risks prolonging their postseason absence.