Sacramento Kings: 6 bold predictions for the 2020-2021 season

Prediction #3: Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes, Nemanja Bjelica, and Richaun Holmes all traded

There will undoubtedly be player movement in some capacity for the Kings this season, and it could be on a rather large scale.

It is no secret that the franchise has a handful of contracts from the previous regime that they would like to rid themselves of. There are aging players that no longer fit the timeline of the impending rebuild, and their high salaries would hamper the Kings’ financial future if they are not dealt sooner rather than later. Sacramento’s roster could be drastically different after the trade deadline, and we’re predicting that the following players are all dealt at some point:

Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes, Nemanja Bjelica, and Richaun Holmes.

Hield and Barnes fall into the category of “too old and costly” for the Kings. Their contracts are, by far, the two most expensive on the roster and the front office would be wise to invest that money in youth instead. Hield will still hold some value at one of the premier shooters in the league, but a Barnes trade would likely be a salary dump. Finding teams to take on each respective player could take some work, but the Kings will be better for it in the long run.

Bjelica and Holmes could be traded as well, but because they hold value as cheap, expiring contracts. They could be sought after pieces for a needy contender, both bringing their own unique skill sets that could fit well with the right team. Each player has held a significant role for Sacramento over the last couple of years, and it won’t be easy seeing them shipped off. But Bjelica and Holmes have the potential value to garner return assets that assist in helping the franchise turn its next corner.