The Kings reportedly coveted Buddy Hield in last year’s draft. Once the Pelicans picked him No. 6, Sacramento traded down from No. 8.
Several months later, the Kings traded for him in the DeMarcus Cousins deal.
Between?
Kings owner Vivek Ranadive apparently communicated his intentions at the Pelicans’ two games in Sacramento this season.
Sean Cunningham of ABC 10:
The moment Buddy Hield said that Kings owner Vivek Ranadive told him while playing with the Pelicans that "we're still gonna get you" pic.twitter.com/0lVJ2n2cgK
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) February 23, 2017
Vivek always, every time -- even the past two times -- he always talk about, “We’re always pushing hard for you.” He said, “We’re still going to get you.” He kept saying that.
I was surprised with him saying that, but now, when I saw I was going to Sacramento, I said, “Oh, these guys are really serious about me.” I just kind of know they were determined about getting me.
This is wild!
Hield obviously doesn’t outright say the Kings’ front office rushed this trade through before the Cousins-loving owner, awestruck by the prospect of having the next Stephen Curry, changed his mind. But Hield’s statement runs right in line with all those rumors.
Even at face value, Ranadive’s words, assuming Hield is accurately conveying them, are something -- especially for an owner who has denied much basketball involvement.
Sacramento is some kind of place.