The Sacramento Kings have been disappointing for the past few seasons as they attempt to enter the ladder parts of their rebuild. The team is infamously known for being unable to make the playoffs.
They currently hold the longest active NBA playoff drought by a large margin. Sacramento has not made the playoffs since the 2006 season, meaning it’s been 15 years since the Kings have played playoff basketball.
The next longest active streak in the NBA belongs to the Charlotte Hornets at only five years. The Kings have had a rough go of it, to say the least.
After a tough start to this season, things are only getting worse. Recent rumors have arisen that there are some internal issues going on with the team.
NBA Rumors: The Sacramento Kings could look to trade De’Aaron Fox or Tyrese Haliburton due to concerns about fit
At the very least, head coach Luke Walton’s job should be considered on thin ice. However, that’s not the only drama going on within the organization at the moment.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, there are some concerns within the team that point guard De’Aaron Fox and shooting guard Tyrese Haliburton could struggle to share the court together.
“No issue has been more glaring than the struggles of franchise centerpiece De’Aaron Fox, who has had a major decline in production (25.2 points per game last season to 19.8 this season) and efficiency (47.7 percent overall to 41 this season; 32.2 percent from 3 to 23). His comfort level in the starting lineup with second-year guard Tyrese Haliburton is, it would seem, fast becoming an early concern.” – Sam Amick, The Athletic
Fox, who had a breakout season last year, has been struggling all season long. Meanwhile, Haliburton is playing at around the same level as he did throughout his rookie season.
Something is clearly not working in Sacramento, and it has to change. Whether this is through a new coaching staff, a series of trades, or both is to be determined.
People are speculating as to whether or not Sacramento should trade one of their young guards. Maybe a trade for Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons could help shore up some of the team’s defensive issues.
Trade ideas have been floating around for a while now, as this current Kings core is falling apart at the seams. Buddy Hield has expressed the desire to leave in the past, and now Marvin Bagley III has created new drama with the team this season.
Now, this news could lead to trade rumors involving Fox and/or Haliburton. Needless to say, this organization is an absolute mess at the moment.
Regardless, things are looking shaky for the Sacramento Kings right now. Unless something drastically changes soon, this might be their 16th year without making the playoffs.