How Spurs’ Graham trade could help Kings finalize DeRozan deal originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The first domino the Kings might need to make a blockbuster move this offseason might have fallen Saturday.
The San Antonio Spurs traded Devonte Graham and a second-round draft pick to the Charlotte Hornets, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Saturday, citing sources. He added the Hornets would waive Graham, making him a free agent, and the team later confirmed that move.
That’s of massive interest to the Kings, since the Spurs reportedly have emerged as a potential third team to help them facilitate a sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls to acquire free-agent forward DeMar DeRozan. He reportedly will be in Sacramento this weekend to meet with the Kings and hear their recruiting pitch.
San Antonio currently has $25.7 million in salary-cap space, but it can increase it to $28.9 million by waiving or trading Julian Champagnie and Charles Bassey, per The Spot Up Shot NBA writer Paul Garcia.
If the Spurs could reach that $28.9 million mark, they’d be able to take on either Kings forward Harrison Barnes or Kings sharpshooter Kevin Huerter‘s contract. Barnes and Huerter have been tied to various trade reports.
It also would allow San Antonio to sign veteran point guard Chris Paul, who agreed to sign with the team on a one-year deal that has yet to be finalized.
So, if the Kings can eliminate Barnes or Huerter’s contracts — or even both — it would free up their finances to add a big-name player, such as DeRozan, and potentially others.
The missing piece to the puzzle is what Chicago would receive, which seemingly still is being worked out behind the scenes. But Saturday’s move from San Antonio could be the start of something special in Sacramento.
