SACRAMENTO -- The deal isn't done yet, but the Sacramento Kings are on the verge of making their first move of Draft Night 2016.
Marco Belinelli had the worst year of his career last season for Sacramento. But it appears that his track record for knocking down perimeter shots were enough to land a second first round selection for the Kings in Thursday's draft.
According to a published report, Belinelli, 30, is on his way to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for the No. 22 pick, although the deal will not be consummated until July 1.
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Belinelli joined the Kings last summer, signing a 3-year, $19 million deal after a successful two year run with the San Antonio Spurs. With the move, Sacramento adds another asset in the pick, but also clears $6.33 million off the books both this season and next.
The Italian-born shooter played in 68 games last season for the Kings, including seven starts. He averaged 10.2 points per night, but shoot just 38.6 percent from the field and 30.6 percent from the 3-point line.
Landing Belinelli gives the Hornets an insurance policy in case they can't retain one of their many free agents. Charlotte is facing an uphill battle to keep last season's 48-win team together. Jeremy Lin opted out of his contract and joins Courtney Lee, Al Jefferson, Marvin Williams and Nic Batum as unrestricted heading into free agency next week.
The deal was first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.
Sacramento is trading guard Marco Belinelli to Charlotte for the No. 22 pick, league sources tell @TheVertical. - Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 23, 2016
Charlotte-Sacramento deal can't go through until after July 1, but Hornets will be selecting player at No. 22 for Kings, sources said. - Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 23, 2016
