Former Clippers center may have played his last game in new home

Drew Eubanks, one of the few LA Clippers who ended up as trial and error last season, is anticipated to miss the rest of December with a fractured thumb. While he is out, the Sacramento Kings may trade him, as his eligibility goes green tomorrow, December 15th.

Eubanks’ last game was a 31-point loss to the Denver Nuggets. He played four minutes and essentially ran sprints, as the only stat he recorded was a personal foul; he did not even attempt a shot despite the difference in score.

Because his status has changed from reserve to temporarily injured, the Kings will be open to trading his expiring contract. It is worth $3 million, yet Sacramento is 6-19 and needs to remove the odd man out, Eubanks, for players who can provide more off the bench.

Drew Eubanks’ trade stock has increased throughout the season

November is what did it for Drew Eubanks. He showed up for Doug Christie and the Sacramento Kings’ bench by averaging 7.2 points and 3.3 rebounds in 16.5 minutes. He was also pivotal in the Kings’ four wins of the month, as they surprisingly defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Eubanks logged 19 points and seven boards against the Nuggets on November 11th, which was his season high and seventh-best scoring game of his career.

Moreover, Eubanks could still be a King for the next few weeks, but once he is re-evaluated and his return date announced, the front office will start getting calls, one of which they could take.

He is an eight-year veteran with knowledge that specific teams will pay millions for. Particularly for an inexperienced group, there is so much to learn from Eubanks, and countless ways a youngster could pick his brain to comprehend the mentality required to remain employed at the highest level.

Additionally, the Kings' front office could package Eubanks with players like DeMar DeRozan or Zach LaVine. Both stars have been rumored targets for multiple teams in each conference, and the $3 million earned by the center could lead to salary-filling purposes.

That said, Eubanks’ last game for the Kings could have already occurred at his least expected moment. He is likely only focused on recovering his thumb, yet Sacramento could be zoned in on figuring out the easiest way to win a trade that involves him, or in a multi-player deal.