NBA Draft Rumors: Sacramento Kings having trouble dealing No. 8 pick

The Sacramento Kings are stuck in a difficult place.

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They have spent money in attempt to get back to the postseason, trading for forward Rudy Gay last year. Now, this offseason, they may have a decision to make on Gay depending on his option and will have a decision to make on point guard Isaiah Thomas, who is set to become a restricted free agent. That’s why the Kings are shopping their eighth-overall pick.

Joel Brigham of Basketball Insiders believes the Kings are likely having trouble finding a taker for the eighth-overall pick.

"I’m sure Sacramento has plenty of interest in trading their pick because, by my count, there are 7 really good players in this draft and then a bunch of players that I care quite a bit less about. In that scenario, the 8th pick isn’t a particularly good one, but nor is it a particularly desirable bargaining chip in a potential trade. My guess is that if the Celtics and Lakers aren’t getting any major nibbles with their picks, Sacramento isn’t either. It would take for someone to slip for that pick to be of value, but we won’t know that until draft night. Return value for the 8th pick this year isn’t going to be great, and no, I haven’t heard anything in terms of specific names they may be going after. I have to imagine ownership would rather a player that could help them win now rather more young pieces to try and have to nurture. I suppose we’ll see in a week, won’t we?"

The Kings have reportedly targeted Milwaukee Bucks’ guard Brandon Knight, who could be available should the Bucks draft Australian point guard Dante Exum with the second-overall pick.

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