BLOG UPDATE: It's official. All the reported particulars were confirmed by the Kings in a press release, and it turns out Dahntay Jones and Justin Williams are the casualties of the deal as they were waived.
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After all the talk of rebuilding, the Kings are actually doing it.
The deal that will send Mike Bibby to Atlanta is all about building for the future, from the approximately $11 million they may save by acquiring three expiring contracts to the acquisition of Shelden Williams.
The Duke product hasn't blown anyone in the league away, but he still comes with the fact that he was a No. 5 pick and a contract that gives the Kings all control as it pertains to his future. He has one year left on his deal at $3.3 million, and a team option for 2009-10 ($4.3 million). In essence, the Kings can either let him walk after that or sign him as a part of what they're trying to do, as they always say, "going forward." I haven't crunched all the numbers yet, but this certainly opens up possibilities in regards to the free agent market this summer as well.
The trade should be official in a few hours, and I'm told they will also receive a second round draft pick for this June in addition to the four players. The next question is how the roster shakes out, as the Kings will now have to waive two players to get to the league limit of 15.
Sekou Smith of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution breaks it down here.
- Sam Amick
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