Kings trade Jalen McDaniels to San Antonio Spurs in possible precursor to a bigger deal

The Kings made a trade Monday that could be a precursor to a bigger deal as they prepare for the start of the 2024-25 NBA season.

A league source told The Sacramento Bee the Kings are trading Jalen McDaniels, their 2031 second-round draft pick and cash considerations to the San Antonio Spurs, confirming a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania. According to HoopsHype, the Kings will receive a top-55 protected 2025 second-round draft pick in the deal.

The Spurs reportedly plan to waive McDaniels while the Kings created roster flexibility and cleared out $4.7 million in salary. ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported the Kings are now $5.8 million below the luxury tax threshold with two roster spots available. They appear to be setting up another trade but could also use the financial flexibility to pursue unsigned free agents.

McDaniels, 26, is a 6-9 forward who averaged 6.9 points and 3.3 rebounds over his first five NBA seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors. McDaniels appeared in two of Sacramento’s first three preseason games, averaging 3.0 points and 2.5 rebounds in 12.6 minutes while going 2 of 9 (.222) from the field and 0 of 5 from 3-point range.

The Kings acquired McDaniels in June when they traded Davion Mitchell, Sasha Vezenkov and two second-round picks to the Raptors. That trade was viewed as a cost-cutting move as the Kings paid a hefty price to offload more than $13 million in salary.