SACRAMENTO -- The rumor mill is never kind to the Sacramento Kings. On Friday it was Willie Cauley-Stein’s name who came up in potential moves. And on Saturday, multiple reports have veteran forward Omri Casspi requesting a trade from the city he has called home for the last three seasons.
But once again, this might be another case of much ado about nothing.
“Zero truth to that. Zero,” Casspi told CSN California via text.
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According to multiple sources, Casspi’s agent met with the Kings this week to discuss his role with the team. But he did not request a trade at that time.
There is no question that Casspi isn’t exactly excited about his role with Kings this season. After averaging 11.8 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 40.9 percent from 3-point range in 27.2 minutes per game last season, he has struggled to find a footing in new head coach Dave Joerger’s rotation.
Slowed by a hip injury and an illness during training camp, the 28-year-old wing fell behind veterans Matt Barnes, Anthony Tolliver and Garrett Temple in the Kings’ crowded frontline.
Casspi has appeared in just six of the Kings’ 11 games, averaging 4.3 points and 3.2 rebounds in 15.3 minutes per game.
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Despite a tough early season stretch, the Kings locker room and coaching staff have remained tight, including Casspi. But with free agency looming this summer, Casspi has a lot riding on this season.