The Kings got a big boost during the offseason when it was reported that Malik Monk intends to return to Sacramento and avoid NBA free agency, but their summer to-do list is far from over.
Retaining Monk could mean saying goodbye to other Kings players, including hard-shooting guard Kevin Huerter and veteran forward and NBA champion Harrison Barnes.
Yahoo Sports senior reporter Jake Fischer reported Friday, citing league sources, that Sacramento is actively exploring trade opportunities for Barnes and Huerter.
Fisher added that Huerter has received “significant” interest from teams around the league.
Evan Sidely of Forbes Sports reported Thursday that the Kings are selling the 13th pick in next week's NBA draft as a trade target along with Huerter and Barnes.
In two seasons with Sacramento, Huerter appeared in 134 games and averaged 12.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists on 46.8 percent shooting from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point range in 27.1 minutes per game.
He struggled offensively last season, but has proven in his six seasons in the NBA that he can be a master of the 3-point shot.
Barnes spent nearly six seasons in Sacramento, averaging 14.7 points on 47.2 percent field goal shooting and 38.7 percent 3-point shooting to go along with 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 33 minutes of action.
Though his inconsistent play raised concerns last season, Barnes is respected by all as a true leader in the locker room, and his performance in all 82 games for the second straight season was a blessing for a team that has weathered injuries and trial and error with various rotations.
There have been a few names mentioned in Sacramento this offseason (depending on who you ask), including Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine, but there are plenty of other teams that have inquired about the 29-year-old All-Star, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers.
However, Fisher believes the Kings are the “most likely” team to land LaVine next season.
Other players being talked about in the 916 rumors include high-level wings Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram, who would likely outperform Barnes in terms of production.
The Kings ended a 16-season playoff drought two seasons ago and narrowly missed the playoffs last season, but with Monk reportedly under contract for at least the next few years, Kings general manager Monte McNair and company have an opportunity to elevate this franchise to a contender in what is expected to be a competitive Western Conference.
