Kings Insider: "I'd Be Stunned If They Didn't Make A Big Trade"

The Sacramento Kings have been tied to many trade rumors over the past few weeks, and according to Sacramento insider Sam Amick, in this case, where's there's smoke, there's fire. 

Amick said on The Athletic's NBA Show podcast that there's "a ton of pressure" in Sacramento on GM Monte McNair to make some moves to improve the roster.

"I'd be stunned if they didn't make a big trade."

Amick also confirmed that, in general, "nobody's untouchable", and that's something new. "It's weird to see people of influence (within the Kings) casually talking about, 'yeah, De'Aaron's in discussions." 

As for who's on their shopping list, as we've heard plenty this past month, "(Ben) Simmons is Priority One. If they can't get Simmons, they're going for (Domantas) Sabonis. That's 1 and 2."

Amick says they'd even consider taking Tobias Harris in a package with Simmons. 

Certainly, to get either of Simmons or Sabonis, De'Aaron Fox, and maybe even Tyrese Haliburton, would have to be headed the other way. We already know the high asking price that the Philadelphia 76ers have put on Simmons, and Amick notes that the Indiana Pacers value Sabonis quite a bit as well.

Haliburton is only 21, and the combo guard is averaging 13.7 points and 7.1 assists while shooting an impressive 42.9% from the three-point line. Amick notes he's not untouchable, but it would have to be a last-ditch resort to get something done to include him in any deal.

All in all, Amick expects Sacramento to be one of the most active teams at the trade deadline. "There's a real expectation" for the Kings to make a move "now."

Photo Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports