NBA Rumors: Sacramento Kings look at Ben McLemore 'as a major part of what we’re doing long-term'

Feb 15, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Ben McLemore (16) comes out with Shaquille O’Neal before his dunk during the 2014 NBA All Star dunk contest at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

The Sacramento Kings, via various reports, have made it clear that point guard Isaiah Thomas can be had while rookie shooting guard Ben McLemore is not up for grabs and will not be traded.

Kings general manager Pete D’Alessandro met with what was described as “a small group of media” Tuesday and decided to make it as clear as he thought he possibly could that McLemore would not be traded.

“I think a lot of people act in ways in this league that I choose not to do,” D’Alessandro said via Sean Cunningham of News 10. “So, I’m standing here today and I’m saying Ben McLemore is a guy that we have not put in deals. He’s a guy that we love here.

“So, sources? I think I’m a source. We haven’t put Ben in anything,” he continued. “We look at Ben as a major part of what we’re doing long-term.”‘

McLemore, the seventh overall pick of the draft in 2013, is averaging 7.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game this season.

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NBA Rumors: Sacramento Kings look at Ben McLemore ‘as a major part of what we’re doing long-term’

By Andrew Melnick | Feb 19, 2014