The Sacramento Kings have started their season 17-12 despite poor injury luck. After missing 19 consecutive games with an ankle sprain, backup center Alex Len has returned to action as Sacramento hopes Len can provide an interior spark off the bench.
Len, 30, is a solid backup big man but has been on the bad end of some injuries since joining the Kings in the 2021 off-season. Due to injuries and the Kings' small-ball scheme with the second unit, Len has not been effective in Sacramento. The veteran center makes an impact when on the court, but the opportunity rarely arises.
NBA insider Ian Bagley of SNY reports that the New York Knicks have all the necessary assets to target a big man like Len after their center depth has become shaky.
They have enough draft capital, young talent and salary filler to trade for an impactful big man. New York has the rights to nine first-round picks over the next five drafts. The club also owns Detroit [Pistons'] 2024 second-round pick, which will be in the low 30s. So the Knicks can make an offer for, say, Utah [Jazz] Kelly Olynyk or Sacramento's Alex Len, without putting a dent in their trade assets.
The Kings wrapped up their 2023 off-season by signing three-time NBA Champion JaVale McGee, who has taken over the backup center position, especially while Len was sidelined. It would be a win for Sacramento if they can get any assets out of Len.
The Knicks will be without their starting center, Mitchell Robinson, for the rest of the season due to undergoing ankle surgery, so a trade for his replacement is imminent. While New York might not see Len as their long-term answer, he could be what they need for the remainder of the season.
New York has been involved in numerous trade rumors for stars around the league, so a deal for Sacramento's Len could be a sneaky move that helps more than people think.
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