NBA Draft Rumors: Kings, Hawks talking trade for No. 8 pick
By Bryan Rose
The Sacramento Kings have made no secret that they desire a return to the postseason, something that has eluded them for nearly a decade.
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Because of that, they’re not exactly thrilled with the prospect of waiting for a draft pick to grow for the next two or three seasons, so rumors have continued to swirl suggesting the Kings will shop their No. 8 pick. Apparently, that’s exactly what has been happening, at least according to ESPN’s Chad Ford who suggests the Kings and Hawks have held discussions about the selection.
Answering a fan question during his weekly chat, Ford hinted that Atlanta could potentially draft Dario Saric and suggested they could use the No. 8 pick to obtain him.
“Yes. He needs the right system — he’s a much better player with the ball in his hands. I think a team like the Hawks, for example, would make a ton of sense. And that could be where he goes if he stays in the draft. The Hawks have been talking to the Kings about moving up to No. 8. Saric would be a target for them there as would Nik Stauskas.”
There has been talk suggesting the Kings were interested in Hawks point guard Dennis Schröder though there’s no way the Kings would give up the No. 8 pick for him, so any deal would likely involve an additional team or players coming back from Atlanta.
Sacramento is said to be looking for another veteran to place alongside DeMarcus Cousins, Rudy Gay and Isaiah Thomas – a role Schroder doesn’t exactly fit. However, a player like Al Horford could be enough to tip the scales on a larger deal.