There are just a few certainties in this world. Death, taxes and no one understanding what the Kings are doing.
On Saturday night, the Kings, Cavs and Bulls completed a three-team trade that involved two Lakers trade targets. Cleveland sent De’Andre Hunter to Sacramento, who will send Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis to Cleveland. Chicago will receive Dario Saric and a pair of second round picks.
Every so often, the Kings pop up with a move that reminds everyone they are still the Kings.
In Keon Ellis, they had a very highly coveted player who they could get at least a good draft pick for. As a team without much to look forward to in the future, getting a pick and a chance at a young prospect should be appealing.
Instead, they attached him to Schröder, a player they signed to a three-year deal this summer despite having Malik Monk, Zach LaVine and Russell Westbrook (eventually) on the roster. They could have simply not signed Dennis, had more playing time available and, if they were set on trading Ellis, gotten a pick and value back.
Or, they could just attach him to Dennis to salary dump him for Hunter, a player who is having a career-worst year, is older than Ellis and is under contract next season, too.
What are they doing?????
Alas, this takes two of the few names connected to the Lakers off the market. Ellis was an intriguing young option while Hunter was a much riskier option. After rumors heated up over the last week, they were tempered down on Saturday ahead of the trade itself.
Realistically, the Lakers weren’t going to be able to match a package including Ellis to acquire Hunter, nor should they have attempted to. The Lakers will now have to move on to other options ahead of the deadline.
And what the hell are the Kings doing?
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
