The Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers reportedly made a deal Thursday.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Indiana will send Chris Duarte to Sacramento for second-round picks in 2028 and 2030. The trade is expected to be completed today.
Shams Charania first reported an expected Duarte deal last Friday.
The Kings are acquiring Pacers G Chris Duarte for two second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. Pacers will receive a 2028 second (via Dallas) and the Kings’ 2030 second-round pick. Trade will be finalized today.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2023
Duarte had a promising rookie season in 2021-22, averaging 13.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. However, the former No. 13 pick struggled last season, falling to 7.9 points, 2.5 boards, and 1.4 assists in 46 games.
His true shooting percentage dropped from .537 to .496, and Duarte missed 12 of Indiana’s final 13 games due to an ankle injury.
If healthy, the 26-year-old wing could give the Kings a solid rotation piece for a team that snapped a 16-season playoff brought. Their young roster can particularly use a boost on defense after leading the NBA in scoring.
The Pacers will shed Duarte’s $4.1 million salary, but it’ll take a while before bearing any possible fruits from the returning draft picks way down the line.