The Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings have been complete opposites in terms of their on-court success over the last decade, but both franchises could be in a position to make moves at the trade deadline in order to make sure they end up in the playoffs.
Sacramento could be in the mood to make a deal, as they haven’t made the playoffs since 2006. With the latest buzz out of northern California implying that this team could look to be a very active trade partner, Toronto may need to get the Kings on the phone.
Sam Amick of The Athletic (subscription required) is reporting that Monte McNair has made nearly every player except for De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton available. While they have been a laughingstock in this league, Sacramento has some promising pieces.
While the Kings are looking to make win-now moves that could help them make the postseason, they could eventually relent in their desire to go for it in 2022 and sell some assets for picks. Maybe they and Toronto could exchange veteran assets to better fill their respective needs as they gear up for the playoffs?
These 3 Kings could be in the rumor mill, which could prompt Masai Ujiri and the Raptors to pounce.
The Toronto Raptors could trade for these 3 Sacramento Kings.
3. PG/SG Jahmi’us Ramsey
Why would the Raptors be interested in a second-year player that has barely cracked the rotation and is averaging just 2.5 points per game on 39% shooting? Well, Malachi Flynn and Dalano Banton have been so poor that the Raptors have decided to play without a traditional backup point guard, and Ramsey could help plug that hole.
Flynn might need a fresh start, as a former first-round pick being unable to integrate himself as a second-unit star in his sophomore season is not a good look. With Ramsey overwhelmed by a deluge of ball-handlers on the Kings, perhaps Toronto and Sacramento could swap these two? Ramsey might profile as the better offensive player.
Toronto Raptors: Will Jahmi’us Ramsey be better than Malachi Flynn?
Pay no mind to his 3-point percentage in the NBA due to his lack of volume. Ramsey made 42.4% of his 3-pointers while taking over five per game at Texas Tech. Capable of playing off-ball while setting up the offense at point, Ramsey could fit better with the Raptors than Flynn.
Considering how it is trending with both of these franchises, Ramsey and Flynn may need new homes next season. Why shouldn’t both franchises get an early look at some potential replacements? Given Ramsey’s shooting and athletic ability, he could end up getting minutes down the stretch.