By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
In a move possibly connected to the interest in signing Olympiacos star Sasha Vezenkov, the Sacramento Kings are trading swingman Justin Holiday and small forward Maurice Harkless to the Atlanta Hawks, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Besides the two players, the Kings will also be sending a first-round pick to the Hawks, lottery-protected in 2024, top 12-protected in 2025, and top 10-protected in 2026. On the receiving end, Kevin Huerter will be added to the roster. In addition, Malik Monk is expected to sign with the Kings as a free agent.
Vezenkov, 26, has been vocal about the interest shown by the Kings. Currently focused on helping Bulgaria in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, he expects talks later in the summer. He was selected by the Brooklyn Nets with the 57th pick of the 2017 draft with his NBA rights shifting to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021 and to the Kings one week ago.
Elsewhere, the Boston Celtics will bring in Malcolm Brogdon from the Indiana Pacers, as reported by Wojnarowski. German center Daniel Theis, Aaron Nesmith, Nik Stauskas, Malik Fitts, Juwan Morgan and a 2023 first-round pick are the compensation for the Pacers.
Brogdon, 29, is the centerpiece of the trade. The Celtics were in the market for an upgrade in the position of the playmaker and certainly hope the Virginia product delivers moving into the 2022-23 season, considering he cost five players and a draft selection.
Italian forward Danilo Gallinari is also expected to land in Boston, once he clears waivers.
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