Getty Image / Thearon W Henderson
Until the Miami Heat repeatedly defied the odds to make a run to the NBA Finals, the Sacramento Kings had been the biggest surprise of the 2022-23 NBA season.
The Kings went from one of the league’s worst teams the previous season to having the 3rd best record in the Western Conference and won a stacked Pacific Division.
Unfortunately, they came up short in the playoffs, being eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in 7 games in the first round.
At the end of the day, star power was the difference in that series. While Steph Curry was put together a historic performance in Game 7, the Kings didn’t have anybody they could turn to who could take over the game, due in part to an injury to De’Aaron Fox.
Now it appears that they are actively trying to get themselves a bit more star power as they try to take the next step during the 2023-24 season.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Kings have engaged in talks with the Washington Wizards about a trade for Bradley Beal, who would be willing to waive his no-trade clause to join the Kings.
Another team that’s had Bradley Beal trade talks with the Wizards: The Kings, sources tell me and @sam_amick. It’s believed Beal would consider Sacramento given his no-trade clause, but right now there does not appear a clear pathway for the two sides.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 15, 2023
The Kings got some solid production at shooting guard this past season between Kevin Huerter and Sixth Man of the Year candidate Malik Monk. However, Beal would give them a real star at the position.
With Beal, the Kings could put together a squad with a starting lineup that includes him, Fox and Domantas Sabonis, and Keegan Murray who is likely going to keep getting better after a strong rookie season.
That could potentially make the Kings one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA.
Charania said there isn’t yet a clear pathway to a deal, but the Sacramento Kings could make things very interesting out west if they can land Bradley Beal.