Western Conference · Pacific · 110 updates
Marc Stein reports Jalen Duren is growing more willing to play out next season on his one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer rather than sign long-term with Detroit.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon floated Zach LaVine as a potential midseason buyout candidate in Sacramento, with MacMahon calling it a possible fit if no trade materializes for his $48.97 million expiring deal.
Jake Fischer said on his Bleacher Report stream that Jordan Hawkins, newly dealt from New Orleans to Memphis, is likely to get a real look at a roster spot. Memphis carries 19 players for 15 spots, and Fischer flagged D'Angelo Russell, Kris Murray, Walter Clayton Jr. and Micah Peavy as most at risk if Hawkins sticks.
Domantas Sabonis wants out of Sacramento and is pushing for another extension, according to Jake Fischer, who named Charlotte as a team to watch. Sacramento reportedly had more advanced trade talks with Toronto around last season's deadline.
Kings insider James Ham said Sacramento turned down a deal that would have sent Zach LaVine to Atlanta for Trae Young. Ham reported the Kings worried Young would immediately push for a massive extension, something they weren't ready to commit to.
Domantas Sabonis wants out of Sacramento, according to Jake Fischer, who cites Sabonis switching agents this summer as one sign.
Ben Simmons had interest in Miami before agreeing to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with Sacramento. Sun Sentinel writer Ira Winderman reports the Heat turned him down because he's no longer a proven win-now contributor, preferring to develop players like Tre Donaldson instead.
Sacramento's decision to sign Ben Simmons to a one-year, $3.5 million deal likely closes off that landing spot for free agent Victor Oladipo, who had been linked to the Kings as a possible mentor for Darius Acuff.
Sam Amick of The Athletic reports Golden State and New York were among the teams pursuing Ben Simmons before he agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with Sacramento.
Ben Simmons has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, according to Shams Charania, with only $1 million guaranteed.
