Sacramento Kings: 5 potential targets in 2019 NBA free agency

4. Nikola Vucevic

The Kings are reportedly interested in signing Nikola Vucevic. There is a lot to like about the seven-foot Montenegrin, who made his first All-Star Game this season and is still only 28 years old.

Vucevic would provide inside scoring and rebounding, two of the Kings’ biggest needs. The big man averaged 20.8 points and 12.0 rebounds per game this season, shooting an impressive 51.8 percent from the floor while taking 56 percent of his shots from within 10 feet.

Most importantly, Vucevic led the Orlando Magic to the playoffs. Given the Kings’ long playoff drought dating all the way back to 2006, he could provide important leadership.

The Kings signing Vucevic would likely come down to what contract he would demand. If he is willing to sign a short-term deal, the signing would make more sense for the Kings. Adding Vucevic would likely increase their chances of making the playoffs, providing valuable experience for the younger Kings to build upon.

However, if Vucevic demands a larger, longer contract, the Kings should pass. Fox and Bagley are on different timelines than the Orlando center. Committing to Vucevic for the long haul could handicap the Kings for years to come and derail a potential long-term contender.

In addition, Vucevic is a center who does not protect the rim very well, averaging only 1.1 blocks per game this season. Given the importance of rim protectors in todays’s NBA, committing to a center who is not very good in that area might not be the best decision in the long-term.