For the last 15 years, the words Sacramento Kings and irrelevant have seemed to lay hand-in-hand. They own the longest postseason drought of any NBA franchise, and it’s not really close.
And then the NBA trade deadline came around this season, and they traded away one of the most promising young players they have drafted in years – Tyrese Haliburton.
Fans of the team were rightfully angry, as Haliburton was dedicated to the team as much as anyone. Reports even came out that he was found crying when he found out he was being traded.
Most people ruled that trade as an instant loss for Sactown. Losing Haliburton in the trade was enough for most people to look away without even giving it a second thought.
But wait a second.
The Domantas Sabonis effect is working wonders for the Kings
The Kings got back the best player in that deal – Domantas Sabonis. The big man is a two-time All-Star who is fully capable of leading an offense to a tee.
They also received Justin Holiday and Jeremy Lamb in the trade, whilst simultaneously cleansing themselves of Buddy Hield’s contract. Not bad!
Then, just two days later, they (finally) got rid of Marvin Bagley III. Not only that, but they traded him for Donte DiVincenzo – a promising two-way guard that can step up and play the wing, too.
Sacramento has played two games with their new squad, and they are 2-0 in those games. Have they played the best competition? No. But wins are wins, especially for the Kings.
Things are looking up in Sactown. And it may be early to say this, but they might have won the trade deadline…
(Okay, that might be a strong statement, but they certainly did pretty well for themselves.)