The Sacramento Kings reportedly are willing to trade rookie Nik Stauskas if it can land them a power forward to compliment star DeMarcus Cousins. After a trade for Los Angeles Clippers guard Jordan Farmar seemingly sizzled out, the Kings may now have the chance to sign him as a free agent.
The No. 8 pick of the 2014 draft is available to be had, according to CBS Sports' Ken Berger.
Per Berger:
"Determined to find an upgrade to complement inside force DeMarcus Cousins, the Sacramento Kings are seeking frontcourt help in a trade and are willing to discuss first-round pick Nik Stauskas in the deal, league sources told CBSSports.com.
"The Kings want to pair Cousins with a frontline player who would fit with his post-up skills -- either a stretch four or above-the-rim defender, sources said. They've fielded numerous calls about Stauskas, whose opportunities have been limited with the steadily improving play of Ben McLemore.
"Sacramento thus far has rebuffed teams inquiring about Stauskas, the sharpshooter from Michigan whom they selected with the eighth overall pick in the draft. But the Kings' motivation to put a "high-level" player next to Cousins on the front line has heightened, making them finally willing to include Stauskas in trade talks."
Stauskas is averaging just 3.6 points per game, but his upside - his accurate shooting, and his 6-foot-6 height - could make him an interesting prospect to any team looking for a long-term upgrade at the 2-spot.
Sacramento, meanwhile, could end up acquiring Farmar. The Kings were linked to trade talks with him earlier in the week, but it turns out they may not have to give up anything at all to acquire him. ESPN reported the Clippers, in the wake of trading for guard Austin Rivers, waived the 28-year-old point guard on Friday.
If Farmar clears waivers, the Kings could pursue signing him as a free agent.
