BASKETBALL

Sacramento Kings linked to Kyle Kuzma, Nerlens Noel trade rumors

Dec 13, 2022, 11:44 AM | Updated: 11:45 am

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 10: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards dribbles against the Los Ang...

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 10: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards dribbles against the Los Angeles Clippers at Capital One Arena on December 10, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Thursday, Dec. 15, is a big day in the NBA.

Players who signed free-agent contracts over the summer are eligible to be traded. There isn’t likely to be a flurry of moves like what fans see at the NBA trade deadline in February, but the date does present more opportunities for teams to move players.

And as we get closer to Dec. 15, more rumors start flying.

According to the Athletic’s James L Edwards III, the Detroit Pistons may be willing to move some players, but not all as they hope to be better “sooner rather than later.” Nerlens Noel could be one of those players as he stands out in a crowded Detroit backcourt.

League sources, who were granted anonymity so that they could speak freely, have told The Athletic that the Pistons are looking to move the veteran big man. Both sides have agreed that a deal is best for both parties, and Detroit has already had talks with rival teams about Noel. Portland, Sacramento, Miami and Dallas have been the teams most engaged when it comes to acquiring the 28-year-old.

Noel has only played in six games for the Pistons, but in his career, he’s averaged 7.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.

Another familiar name has re-emerged with connections to Sacramento, Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma.

In 2021, the Kings and Los Angeles Lakers appeared to have a deal in place that would have sent Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell to Sacramento for former King Buddy Hield. Instead, the Lakers sent Kuzma, Harrell and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Wizards for Russell Westbrook.

According to Eric Pincus at Bleacher Report, Kuzma is still on the Kings’ radar.

Kuzma is believed to still be on the Sacramento Kings’ radar after they missed out on him in 2021 when the Los Angeles Lakers traded him to Washington instead of Sacramento. The Kings can’t trade a first until 2028 (due to protections on their obligation to the Atlanta Hawks for Kevin Huerter), but they could build a deal around Harrison Barnes with that distant pick and/or prospects like Davion Mitchell.

Pincus goes on to say Sacramento could also be interested in several players on the Toronto Raptors roster if the team decides to move on from OG Anunoby or Pascal Siakam.

Newsletter

Basketball

Sasha Vezenkov #7 of the Sacramento Kings shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors in the ...

Brenden Nunes

Sasha Vezenkov working to return from grade three right ankle sprain

On January 22nd, the Atlanta Hawks came into Golden 1 Center to face off against the Sacramento Kings. During the action, Sasha Vezenkov checked in for the fifth consecutive night despite being questionable with a left ankle injury he suffered in practice days prior. Unfortunately, the reigning Euroleague MVP suffered a moderate right ankle sprain […]

11 hours ago

Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors argues with a referee before being ejected during a...

Field Level Media

Warriors’ Draymond Green on most recent ejection: ‘It just can’t happen’

Draymond Green said on his podcast that he deserved to be ejected for his actions in his team's game against the Orlando Magic.

17 hours ago

De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings guards Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first...

Joseph Jarosz

Sam Amick on where the Sacramento Kings will be at the end of the season

With 10 games left in the season, the Sacramento Kings find themselves in an arms race for the sixth and final playoff spot. Where will they end the year?

17 hours ago

Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks go for a ...

Brenden Nunes

Sacramento Kings need to limit turnovers and increased physicality in Friday’s rematch

Sacramento Kings need to improve turnovers and physicality Friday After suffering a costly 132-96 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, the Sacramento Kings get a chance for redemption on Friday.

19 hours ago

Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks passes the ball over Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Ki...

Joseph Jarosz

Jason Anderson: The final playoff spot will come down to the Kings or Mavs

Jason Anderson, Sacramento Kings reporter for the Sacramento Bee, joined The Drive Guys to discuss the final push for the playoffs, another matchup with the Mavericks looming after Tuesday's loss, and more.

22 hours ago

Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic drives on Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors du...

Field Level Media

Warriors complete back-to-back sweep, hold off Magic 101-93 Wednesday night

Gary Payton II stalled an Orlando run with an interior hoop, Stephen Curry saved his only two fourth-quarter baskets for the final 1:09 and the Golden State Warriors overcame the early ejection of Draymond Green to hold off the host Magic 101-93 on Wednesday night.

1 day ago

Sacramento Kings linked to Kyle Kuzma, Nerlens Noel trade rumors