How Spurs’ Graham Trade Could Help Kings Finalize DeRozan Deal originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
The first part of the domino effect the Kings may need to pull off a big blockbuster move this offseason it may have fallen on Saturday morning.
The San Antonio Spurs are trading Devonte Graham and a second-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Saturday, citing sources, adding that the Hornets will release Graham, making him a free agent.
The San Antonio Spurs are trading guard Devonte Graham and a second-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell ESPN. The Hornets will release Graham, allowing him to become a free agent. pic.twitter.com/khvOdlyrDy
-Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2024
The Spurs have reportedly emerged as a potential third team to help the Kings facilitate a sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls to acquire free agent star forward DeMar DeRozan, who is reportedly in Sacramento this weekend to meet with the team and hear your recruitment proposal.
San Antonio currently has $25.7 million in cap space, but could increase that number to $28.9 million by renouncing or trading Julian Champagnie and Charles Bassey (h/t NBA The Spot Up Shot writer Paul Garcia).
If the Spurs were able to reach the $28.9 million mark, they could sign either Kings forward Harrison Barnes or Kings sharpshooter Kevin Huerter — two names linked to recent trade rumors.
It would also allow San Antonio to sign veteran point guard Chris Paul, who agreed to sign with the team. on a one year contract this has not yet been finalized.
So if the Kings can eliminate the contracts of Barnes or Huerter — or even both — it will free up some of their financial obligations to sign a big-name player like DeRozan and potentially others.
The missing piece of the puzzle is what Chicago would receive, which is apparently still being worked out behind the scenes.
But San Antonio’s move on Saturday could be the start of something special in Sacramento.
