Top 3 assets Sacramento Kings can use to bolster their squad in the 2021 NBA offseason

#2 Buddy Hield

Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings looks to pass ahead of John Wall #1 of the Houston Rockets

Buddy Hield will most likely be the first to leave the Sacramento Kings as several franchises are interested in acquiring the shooting guard. Hield has grown weary of the situation in Sacramento and would like to contest for a championship.

The LA Lakers are at the top of that list as they pursue a trade that will send Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrel to the Sacramento Kings. Reports also suggest that the Philadelphia 76ers have shown interest in the guard.

Report: Lakers have “stepped up their efforts” in their pursuit of Buddy Hield “by adding the no. 22 pick to a deal that’d include Montrezl Harrell, and Kyle Kuzma or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope,” via @KevinOConnorNBA pic.twitter.com/L8ZIUvIiDv

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 29, 2021

For the Sixers, their most likely tradeable asset would be Ben Simmons. Although he might not play as a point guard if he lands in Sacramento, he will make an excellent forward and be a huge help on defense. The Sacramento Kings finished the 2020-21 season with the worst defensive rating (117.2).

As things stand, Hield's departure will be a win for the Kings. Fox and Haliburton will be the preferred backcourt pairing, which will make it difficult to slot Hield into the lineup.

It will make no sense for an elite scorer like Hield to come off the bench, especially one that will earn a base salary of $22.4 million. The main problem will be him fitting into the roster. However, he is valuable enough to bring in elite talent to help the Sacramento Kings for the 2021-22 season.

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#1 Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings brings the ball up court while guarded by Devonte' Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets

Harrison Barnes is arguably the most valuable trade asset the Sacramento Kings have. Although he might get traded, there is a high chance that the Kings would hold on to him, mainly because he has proven to be a good fit for Fox and Haliburton.

Barnes brings balance to the team, as his experience and feel of the game is top tier. Although he is not the most explosive player, his production on offense and defense is commendable.

Sacramento #Kings forward Harrison Barnes could be on the move this offseason.Per @wojespn, Barnes is generating 'a lot of interest' from multiple #NBA teams. pic.twitter.com/FTkA3WzYIP

— NBA Analysis Network (@HoopAnalysisNet) July 26, 2021

Trading Barnes would be a huge loss for the Sacramento Kings. He finished as the third-best scorer and three-point shooter for the Kings. Barnes' floor spacing was also excellent and gave Fox the room to drive up the lane.

The Kings' cap space situation might be a factor in the 29-year-old's trade. Barnes' $20 million salary for the 2022-22 season will be a burden for the Kings, especially as Fox recently penned a five-year $163 million max rookie scale contract extension.