Sacramento Kings open to trading Arron Afflalo

The Sacramento Kings are open to the idea of trading veteran forward Arron Afflalo, who is reportedly unhappy with his role in the western conference franchise, per reports.

Afflalo signed a two-year, $US25 million ($AU34 million) contract with the Kings over the summer after spending just one season with the New York Knicks. The 10th year swingman was expected to bring defensive presence and perimeter shooting to the Kings but he seems disengaged with the team and outright refused to enter the game against Houston Rockets last Wednesday, a game that saw Sacramento lose 132-98.

According to KHTK Sports, Afflalo was also slow to enter the game against the Utah Jazz just a few nights before the blowout loss to Houston. There appears to be a growing rift between Kings coach Dave Joerger and Afflalo, if reports are to be believed.

Arron Afflalo, Sacramento Kings at loggerheads

week, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders confirmed the alleged rift and said the Kings front office would explore trade options for Afflalo since the veteran forward is now eligible to be moved following the Dec. 15 trade restriction for new contracts signed over the summer.

"Speaking of the Kings, there is a growing rift brewing between Arron Afflalo and the coaching staff. He is also growing unhappy with his role in Sacramento, and there is a belief he has joined a few other Kings players in asking for a trade. Afflalo became trade eligible on December 15, so it’s a situation to watch."

The Kings (12-17) have been playing decent basketball despite a whirlwind of off-the-court issues plaguing the team in recent weeks. After DeMarucs Cousins and Matt Barnes were reportedly involved in a nightclub fight, the superstar centre threatened a member of the media and was promptly fined $US50,000 ($AU69,000) for the same.

It would be difficult for the Kings to get too many valuable assets for Afflalo. The veteran could still be a vital piece for a championship contender but his recent dip in production would prevail any general manager from parting with even a first round draft pick.

Arron Afflalo is averaging 7.4 points and 2.2 rebounds from 23.8 minutes per game this season.