Kings fans before you shut this down lets talk.

Knicks: have perimeter defense issues as well as wing depth issues

Kings: Backup center issues, glaring

Based on those reasons alone its obvious why this should be a possibility for both teams. However, I have heard Kings fans scream to the rooftops that they don't want Mitch because he can't play with sabonis. I am here to disagree and say that even if that is true it does not matter.

The Kings are 13-14 despite having +6 net rating when Sabonis is on the court, this is because they are in a very difficult Western Conference and can't survive the minutes without Sabonis. A backup center is necessary for this team, that is clear. Here is why Mitch is a better fit than expected.

For 1, the Kings shoot the most mid range shots in the NBA and its not close, the Kings score 11.6% points from the mid range, the next team isn't above 10%. Mitch THRIVES off mid range misses. Its practically what the 2022-23 Knicks were built off when they embarassed the Cavs in 5 games against Allen and Mobley, it was Mitch getting offensive rebounds and breaking their back. Speaking of,

2, twin towers lineups have seen pretty good success recently. Look no further than the Wolves and the Cavs. For Cavs disbelievers, Mobley and Allen currently have a net rating of 12 when on the court together, and neither comes close to Sabonis in terms of offensive talent. I strongly believe that if Sabonis can keep shooting as he has(or near it, 43% is absurdly high), the Kings can survive an excel in minutes with Sabonis at the 4 and a non spacing center at the 5, and it would only be 5-10 minutes a game and likey depend on specific matchup.

Anyway, giving up Keon shouldn't hurt as much because the Kings have just bought in at Monk at the starting 2, not to mention they have been playing huerter over Keon largely as well as having just drafted a rookie guard who is injured but I'm sure the Kings have plans for in the future.

Mitch is the best player in this deal when healthy, and the Wizards pick is in essence 2 early seconds which are very valuable with the way the CBA works.

Knicks do this for obvious reasons. Keon is a 3 and d wing/guard who can play and guard 1-3 at the POA and shoot the 3. he has some off ball issues but Im sure Thibs will help with that. Trey is in essence salary filler as an expiring contract.

Note: I know this puts SAC just into luxury tax, Mitch has a descending contract though and if needed a third team can get involved to take on salary and get a second or 2 in return