NBA Draft Rumors: Sacramento Kings likely to keep No. 8 pick

For weeks the rumor mill has suggested the Sacramento Kings were the most likely team to trade away their first round draft pick. The sentiment seemed to be truthful considering the Kings have allegedly been involved in multiple trade scenarios, however, according to Yahoo Sports the Kings are set to keep their pick at this point.

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The Sacramento Kings have been reportedly seeking a veteran talent to place alongside DeMarcus Cousins, Rudy Gay and potentially Isaiah Thomas (a restricted free agent) in hopes that it would expedite a return to the postseason. Most figured the Kings weren’t exactly thrilled with the prospect of waiting around another two or three seasons for a draft pick to develop, so the idea that the Kings may keep their pick could be nothing more than a smoke screen.

With just hours remaining before the draft kicks off, it could be the hope of the Kings to essentially pull their selection off the table and an opposing team panic and give up more assets to obtain the pick.

Earlier today the Boston Celtics were said to have interest in the Sacramento Kings selection and may have been offering Rajon Rondo for it, though they’re not the only team linked to the selection as the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls have also been rumored to have interest come the past few days.

It’s also possible that the Kings, unhappy with the trade offers, may select a player only to trade him later this Summer in a package deal for a veteran as well.