Shams Charania calls Kings ‘player’ in trade market; Lou Williams, Chandler Parsons laugh

Former NBA players Lou Williams and Chandler Parsons scoffed at the notion that the Kings could be major players in the trade market this season, but they seem to have missed the point.

The conversation took place when NBA insider Shams Charania appeared on an episode of FanDuel TV’s “Run it Back” show with Michelle Beadle, Williams and Parsons. Charania suggested Kings general manager Monte McNair has put Sacramento in a position to acquire another star player to join forces with De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and the rest of the Beam Team.

“I think this is the first time in a really long time — I mean, maybe when Chris Webber was with the Kings — that you can look at the Kings as, like, a trade destination,” Charania said. “They’re going to be involved in every star player: Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, maybe Zach Lavine, whatever stars become available, because Monte McNair, that organization, they’ve done a good job at keeping their assets. They have tradeable contracts, so they’re going to be a player for stars coming up, for sure. I think eventually they could add a third piece.”

Beadle, Williams and Parsons could hardly contain their laughter

“Hold on, Shams, why are these two (Williams and Parsons) making faces?” Beadle asked.

“Shams, you ever been to Sacramento, Shams?” Williams asked.

“Oh, I knew it was coming,” Beadle said.

“I’m just saying they have the pieces,” Charania said. “They have the assets, and they have a team that could be …”

“No,” Williams interrupted. “I’m asking, have you ever …?”

“I have been to Sacramento,” Charania said. “I went to their first (playoff) game against the (Golden State) Warriors (last season). It was crazy packed. It was lit.”

Beadle asked: “Have you ever lived in Sacramento, Shams?”

“That I’ve never done,” Charania replied.

Williams, famous for his love of chicken wings at the Magic City strip club in Atlanta, said: “Now, basketball wise, you make a great, great case, but when it comes to free agency, city is very much a part of that decision.”

Charania: “That’s why they have to trade for someone.”

Beadle: “Gotta trap someone.”

Williams: “It won’t be voluntary. I guarantee it.”

Williams later admitted “Sacramento is one of the great places to play” and players often “fall in love with the fan base,” but he still maintained that most players wouldn’t come to Sacramento willingly.

It’s true that Sacramento historically has had trouble attracting top free agents, but Williams failed to comprehend the difference between free agency and the trade market. The Kings over the years have had better luck landing star players through trades, including blockbuster deals to acquire the likes of Mike Bibby, Webber and Sabonis. Now, Charania thinks they have a chance to bring in another one prior to the Feb. 8 trade deadline.