How the Sacramento Kings benefitted from the trade deadline
By Rafe Wong
The Sacramento Kings were busy before the NBA trade deadline expired. Let us analyze how they benefitted after their recent trade with the Atlanta Hawks.
Not too long ago, Dewayne Dedmon, who signed with the Sacramento Kings this previous summer, requested to be traded due to his role on the team being minimized. Dedmon wanted to play more minutes while the Kings wanted Dedmon to be an asset for their team, which he was not.
As the weeks went by, it was uncertain whether the Kings would grant Dedmon’s wish to be traded. But as we know now, on the eve of the trade deadline, Sacramento shipped Dedmon back to his former team in the Atlanta Hawks in a blockbuster four-team deal.
The specifics of the trade are that the Hawks received Dedmon and two second-round draft picks. The Kings in return received Jabari Parker and Alex Len, two young prospects who have underperformed their draft status.
Right now, it seems like both parties are content with the trade. For Atlanta, they bring back a previous asset they had for the last two years. The Hawks now have someone who can space the floor with John Collins and Clint Capela as well as a person who made a positive influence on the team leadership wise.
But this trade is not about what the Hawks gained. No, this is about the Sacramento Kings.
With the Kings trading Dedmon, he is the second free agent that the team signed last summer who will now be playing for a different franchise.
No doubt this is a bad look for Sacramento, but I believe this transaction is justified. Here are my reasons why.