Long story short, the LA Clippers were in the midst of a nightmare last season following the trade deadline that seemed to never end with Drew Eubanks. But in July, the Clippers waived him, and within a short period of time, the Sacramento Kings signed him. Yet in the Kings’ first six games, they have realized that Eubanks is unplayable, which explains all his DNPs under Tyronn Lue.
Furthermore, Sacramento paid the veteran big man three million dollars to come off the bench and help Domantas Sabonis. They want the best out of Sabonis, and his job would only be easier if someone experienced joined the squad and strengthened the frontcourt of the second unit.
However, the Kings seemed to have rewarded Eubanks without considering what he did last season. He was solid for the Jazz, but on the Clippers, his role was to help Ivica Zubac, and in the end, he failed, making it clear he was a liability.
Now the Kings are in the same position, regretting their contract offer to Eubanks, as his production so far this season has been underwhelming.
The Sacramento Kings will need a replacement for Drew Eubanks at the trade deadline
In wins and losses, Drew Eubanks has not been good for the Sacramento Kings. Though he is coming off his best game of the season, with 10 points and the victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, the Kings’ front office understands what the LA Clippers knew all along about Eubanks.
Moreover, this year, Eubanks is averaging 3.2 points and 2.7 rebounds, shooting 44.4% from the field. This includes a 1-4 night in his debut versus the Phoenix Suns, and a 0-5 night in the home-opener versus the Utah Jazz.
With these points and shooting splits, how is the pressure on Domantas Sabonis going to be eased? Eubanks is great for what veterans do on the sidelines, like provide energy, but on the court, he has declined more as he closes the gap to age 30.
By the trade deadline, Eubanks could be out of the Kings’ rotation. Then, Sacramento could deal him for a championship-caliber center. This will fill a need for Doug Christie, allowing the beam to be lit more consistently towards a playoff spot.
That said, the Kings are seeing why the Clippers moved on from Eubanks. The good thing for their front office is that he was only signed on a one-year deal, so if he is not traded, he will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer.