Kings trade Stauskas, Thompson, Landry to 76ers

Thompson is a great pickup by the Sixers whose production will definitely warrant his salary once the salary cap jumps. The Kings decided to move cash to free up space in attempt to sign free agents such as Rajon Rondo, Wesley Matthews, and Monta Ellis.

Was it owner Vivek Ranadive?

Unfortunately for the Kings, it seems as though it was a trade that was highly unnecessary.

That means some moving around, especially for younger players, including two ex- Michigan standouts.

That should be the only reaction any rational Kings fan should have after watching their team get taken advantage of by Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie this week. The Kings are falling into what the Lakers have been going through which is not being an appealing situation.

Jimmer Fredette, 2011, No. 10, BYU: He was acquired by the Kings on draft day, so he’s technically not a Kings draft pick. Top guys don’t want to be at bad places. He was, however, good enough to be a top-10 pick coveted by the Sixers a year ago. The magician was also able to gain another future 1st round pick from the Kings, as well as the right to swap 1st’s with the Kings in 2016 and 2017.

The team will have the option of voiding the final year of the deal. In all likelihood, the Sixers don’t end up using the swaps and the pick we get from them is a distant, low-leverage consideration, but they have lottery-ticket potential if things actually break Hinkie’s way in the next few years. He struggled after being drafted by the Kings eighth overall past year, but it was a hard season for any rookie as the team fired two coaches and had a front-office shake-up. The 21-year-old averaged 4.4 points and 1.2 rebounds in 73 games last season. He’s a solid shooter, and though it’s not shown in this video Thompson is very good at using his speed, athleticism, and agility to drive to the hoop and using his offensive skill to finish at weird angles. You don’t give up on players like that after just one year, no matter how poorly they start out.

One last note. Franchise player DeMarcus Cousins, who I’m guessing is also restless of the Kings lack of success, only has three more years left in his contract with Sacramento. Both were unlikely to ever suit up in Philadelphia, as there was unlikely to be room in the crowded frontcourt. In those seasons he played alongside Spencer Hawes (yes, these two were once considered the “future”).