by Charlie O. Mallonee

The Sacramento Kings went into the free agent signing period with just $9-million in cap space. In order to add the veteran free agent talent they crave, the Kings needed to created more cap space.

According to multiple reports, the Kings are creating that space by sending Carl Landry, Jason Thompson and Nik Stauskas to the Philadelphia 76ers in a move that will give the Kings an additional $16-million to pursue players in the free agent market.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports was the first to report the transaction which cannot become official until July 9th by NBA rules. On that date, teams are allowed to officially trade players.

Sports Radio Service has been projecting that Thompson and Stauskas could be packaged together in a trade situation during the off-season. Rumors have been swirling that the Kings were also trying to move Landry.

The Kings receive the $16-million in cap space, rights to an unknown number of overseas players, a swap of first-round draft picks and a future second-round selection. In addition to the players, the Sixers will receive a protected future first-round draft pick.

The Kings have been rumored to be pursuing Rajon Rondo, Monta Ellis and Wesley Matthews. Sacramento needs another strong point guard and shooting guard to run George Karl’s “dribble-drive offense”. The Indiana Pacers met with Ellis on Wednesday.

Jason Thompson was the longest-tenured Kings player. The 6-foot-11 Thompson played in 542 games over seven seasons in Sacramento. He played under seven head coaches in those seven seasons.

Nik Stauskas was a lottery pick in 2014. The shooting guard out of the University of Michigan was selected to be a 3-point shooter for the Kings. Stauskas was never able to find consistency with his jump shot. He did establish some success driving to the basket later in the season. The jury is still out on whether Stauskas will make it as a NBA shooting guard.

Carl Landry was in his second tour of duty with Sacramento. Frankly, his health issues are what made him available to be traded. Landry recently had surgery on his wrist and was hampered early last season while rehabbing from knee surgery. The Kings – who lack depth – need healthy players who can withstand the rigors of a NBA season.

The Sixers will be receiving two “high character” veterans who will provide stability for their young roster. Stauskas gives them a young player who could become a good NBA shooter given the time to develop.