Kings Draft Rumors: 3 Things You Need To Know Heading Into Draft Week

The Sacramento Kings have the No. 6 pick in the NBA Draft, and there has been a lot of clutter to sort through as to their plans with the pick. Here are three rumors you need to know:

Willie Cauley-Stein The "Overwhelming Favorite" In Sacramento

The Kings apparently already know the prospect they want to take with the No. 6 pick in the NBA Draft – Kentucky center Willie Cauley-Stein. According to ESPN’s Chad Ford, the Kings have made up their minds:

After the first five picks are off the board, things will start to get interesting. Five of the next six teams in the draft — the Kings, PistonsHornetsHeat and Pacers – all have playoff aspirations next season and if the right offer comes along, these picks can definitely be had. Should the Kings keep this pick, their choices will likely be between Cauley-Stein, Winslow, Hezonja and, if he somehow slides, Mudiay. Cauley-Stein is the overwhelming favorite in Sacramento. The Kings desperately need rim protection and Cauley-Stein is the best defender in the draft. Winslow, Porzingis and Myles Turner are also possibilities if they are on the board at this point.

Sacramento Kings All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, who the franchise is hoping to make happy so he’ll re-sign with them after the season, has publicly stated that he wants the Kings to draft Cauley-Stein so he can move to power forward, letting the rookie play center.

Kings Willing To Trade Back In Draft

Despite being in position to draft a young player with a lot of promise, Sacramento has been clear in trade talks that they are "more than willing to move back into the teens if a team includes a proven player in a deal," according to Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix.

DeMarcus Cousin Not Available For Draft Night Trade

According to the Sacramento Bee, the Kings have no plans to trade All-Star center despite reports to the contrary.

“That is not happening,” Vlade Divac said forcefully, “but I would love to do something, a smaller move, before the draft. We have a lot of changes to make. The league is much more up-tempo now, and we need more three-point shooting. If we don’t get that in the draft, we’ll be active in free agency and see about making trades later in the offseason."

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