The No. 5 seed in the Western Conference, the Sacramento Kings, are having a blast this season. The team is riding on a two-game winning streak now after the 21st win of the season on January 5, 2024. The Kings went against the Toronto Raptors tonight at the Golden 1 Center and won the game by a 5-point margin.
De’Aaron Fox scored 24 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists in his 37 minutes on the court. On the other hand, Domantas Sabonis amassed a double-double with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists. In a post-game interaction with the media, Fox praised the Raptors’ forward, Siakam Pascal, for putting up a nice game.
De’Aaron Fox on Pascal Siakam:
“He’s a dynamic player, he’s one of the guys in the league that can play all five positions…..there’s a reason he’s been an All-NBA player, he’s helped the team win a championship….he affects the game in many ways.” pic.twitter.com/dKMhXd4hpY
— Craig (@craigc__) January 5, 2024
Fox said, “He’s a dynamic player; he’s one of the guys in the league that can play all five positions.” Adding to the rhetoric, Kings’ guard mentioned how Pascal affects the game. Fox added, “There’s a reason he’s been an All-NBA player; he’s helped the team win a championship. He affects the game in many ways.”
This praise has added to the rumors revolving around the NBA as the February 8 deadline approaches. Since the Toronto Raptors want to trade off Siakam Pascal, the Kings seem to be a star destination for the player. The Sacramento Kings had emerged as a ‘serious suitor’ for Pascal; however, as per NBA insider Shams Charania, the team has now backed out.
After the revelation, this statement by the Star Guard of the Kings presents a juxtaposition of the situation. The reason why the Sacramento Kings have backed off isn’t yet specified. However, the NBA All-Star could have formed a foolproof roster if traded to the Kings.
How would Pascal Siakam fit on the Sacramento Kings team?
The 29-year-old is averaging 22.4 points and 4.9 assists per game. Against the Kings tonight, the forward registered an 18-point score, 9 assists, and 4 rebounds in his 37 minutes on the court. The Raptors, however, are trying to build a team against their rookie player, Scottie Barnes. Amidst this scenario, the Raptors might benefit if they trade the player to the Kings.
With such a blazing start to the 2023–24 season, King’s general manager, Monte McNair, is searching for a third hook. The third All-Star-caliber player should assist the team’s offense and strengthen the roster. The team was planning to pair De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis with the Raptors’ star. This move could help the roster conjure up some offensive firepower and become better equipped to sweep the Western Conference crown.
Since time remains before the trade deadline hits, the Kings might acquire Siakam. While the Detroit Pistons and the Golden State Warriors are eyeing Siakam as a trade prospect, the Kings need to make a better offer for the trade to become a reality.