The Sacramento Kings are rumored to be trading Ben McLemore, who is likely an expendable piece following the team's summer acquisitions of shooting guards.
Ben McLemore is one of the handful players in the Kings' roster that has been linked to trade rumors. According to Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee, the 23-year-old shooting guard has been on the trading block for months following the Kings' acquisition of Arron Afflalo and Malachi Richardson.
"Sacramento also has made shooting guard Ben McLemore, in the final year of his rookie contract, available for months, after acquiring Malachi Richardson in a draft-day deal and signing veteran Arron Afflalo," Jones wrote.
Many touted McLemore as one of the best prospects in the 2013 draft class due to his overall package. But while McLemore has all of the tools to excel in the professional league and at his position, the former seventh overall pick has been given little playing time in Sacramento last season, thus averaging a career-low 7.8 points per game.
But McLemore is still a capable scorer and should be a tremendous addition for contenders and teams looking to upgrade their backcourt. Here are three likely destinations for McLemore should the Kings move on from him this season.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers' attempt to address their crowded frontcourt has probably masked the team's need to improve their backcourt.
The 76ers were able to add Gerald Henderson to join Nik Stauskas take turn at the shooting guard spot, but Philly may still need to add another outside threat to help secure the said position. Adding McLemore, who shot 36.2 percent from the three-point area, would help the 76ers stretch the floor and open up space for the team's young big men.
Dealing Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel would make little sense for the Kings as they already have a plethora of big men of their own. But including future draft picks in any potential deal should be enticing for the Kings.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics are still looking for another proven star to boost them as legit title contenders, but if Boston fails to find a suitable trade piece, settling for McLemore should still help them win more games.
One of the main concern for the Celtics last season was the lack of shooters. And with Al Horford in their lineup, surrounding him with outside threats would allow the All-Star center to operate effectively inside the paint. McLemore would not only provide Boston an improved shooter, but would also add depth to the Celtics' backcourt.
Like the 76ers, the Celtics also have plenty of tradable assets at their disposal. In a trade deal that works on ESPN's trade machine, the Celtics would send Marcus Smart to the Kings for McLemore, addressing Sacramento's need of a reliable point guard.
Brooklyn Nets
After losing out on Tyler Johnson and Allen Crabbe in free agency, the Nets could consider trading for McLemore to bolster their backcourt. With Kenny Atkinson expected to run an up-tempo offense, McLemore's ability to finish at the break could see him fit well playing alongside Jeremy Lin.
McLemore would also be a viable building block if the Nets decide to rebuild. At 23, McLemore still has plenty of upside and should turn into a key player if given the opportunity to flourish.
However, the Nets do not have much assets to facilitate a trade with the Kings, although involving a third team could make such deal work. Nevertheless, it would be a good deal for Brooklyn if the price is right.
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