Change is underway for the Sacramento Kings. After the team’s play-in loss to the Dallas Mavericks, General Manager Monte McNair and the organization mutually agreed to part ways, and a replacement was quickly found.
That replacement was seasoned NBA executive Scott Perry, formerly with the New York Knicks. Team owner Vivek Ranadive expressed strong enthusiasm for the hire, saying, “Scott brings a wealth of experience, a sharp basketball mind, and a proven track record of building talented rosters. He shares our commitment to developing and sustaining a winning culture, and I’m excited to welcome him back to Sacramento.”
It remains to be seen whether the Sacramento fanbase will share the same excitement. Perry recently discussed his plans for the Kings’ roster, emphasizing the need to address the point guard position and add more length and athleticism to complement the team’s established players.
While these are reasonable goals overall, caution is needed regarding the direction the discussion may take. For instance, with the trade rumors surrounding Trae Young circulating among fans of teams eliminated from the playoffs, it’s important to make one thing clear: The Kings should avoid any pursuit of Young, the point guard for the Atlanta Hawks.
Trae Young would not work with this Kings roster
While some fans may be big supporters of Trae Young’s game, it’s tough to argue that his specific skillset aligns with what the Sacramento Kings need right now. When you look at the current roster, how many key players are known for their defensive prowess? It’s not exactly a majority.
Trae is undoubtedly a superstar, and his offensive talent is often underrated, especially given the Hawks’ struggles during his time there. I don’t think much of that is his fault. But let’s be honest about what he offers as a point guard: exceptional shot-making and playmaking? Absolutely. But his defense? That’s a major weakness.
Adding Young to the Kings would double down on building an offense-heavy team for the future. And, if we’re being real, that’s not a winning strategy. Teams that focus solely on offensive firepower and ignore defense usually end up missing the playoffs or getting knocked out early in the postseason. This formula has never led to success on the NBA’s biggest stage.
Given all of this, it seems clear to me that the Kings should avoid going after Trae Young this offseason. While his potential availability might be tempting, I’m confident he’s not the missing piece Sacramento needs.