OKC Thunder vs. Sacramento Kings, 2019-20 team preview

While the spotlights in California were laser focused on the two teams with LA in front of their club name the Sacramento Kings made some quality moves in the offseason to shore up their depth and retain talents.

Although some players exited the only one which moves the needle is  Willie Cauley-Stein who saw the writing on the wall with the rise of youngster Bagley.

Harrison Barnes was re-signed and Buddy Hield got his extension. But the key moves for Sacramento centered around a trio of vets who’ll bring leadership, a sense of calm and mentoring to this predominantly young core.

That trio features Trevor Ariza, Cory Joseph and Dewayne Dedmon. Each one is well versed in defense which is the main area the Kings need to make strides and are still capable of providing tangible results to the bottom line. Ariza has a ring and will be key in helping get the youngsters to buy into defense. Joseph was on the third-best defense last year and Dedmon has Spurs knowledge he can pass along.

And not to be forgotten was the addition of Luke Walton who should have a more receptive audience in Sacramento than he did at Staples.

Players Added:

Free Agency:

G: Cory Joseph
F: Trevor Ariza
F: Tyler Lydon
F/C: Richaun Holmes
C: Dewayne Dedmon

Trade:

None

Rookies:

G: Kyle Guy (No. 55, via trade from Knicks)
G: Justin James (No. 40)
G: Vanja Marinkovic (No. 60)

Departing Players:

Free Agents:

G: Alec Burks (signed with Warriors)
G: Frank Mason (waived)
F: B.J. Johnson (waived)
C: Willie Cauley-Stein (signed with Warriors)
C: Kosta Koufos (signed with CSKA Moscow)

G/F: Corey Brewer (unrestricted)
F: Troy Williams (unrestricted)

Trade:

None