Kings' Hill prepared to be traded amid rumors

Any rebuilding franchise that also expects to win is surrounded by caution tape, as George Hill is learning the hard way.

Hill signed on in Sacramento during the offseason with the understanding that the Kings would fight for a playoff spot, having added Vince Carter and Zach Randolph alongside their bevy of rookies. Instead, they're off to a 12-25 start - not necessarily shocking given preseason projections and their strange roster construction. In December, reports suggested the Kings are shopping the 31-year-old point guard. Hill said he's accepted that reality of the business.

"One thing I've learned is that you have to keep your bags packed," Hill said, according to Ailene Voisin of The Sacramento Bee. "... If it happens, it happens. But I've made great relationships in this locker room and with this club. If I leave, I’ll look them in the face, shake their hand, and thank them for the opportunity."

Hill, who signed a three-year contract worth $57 million, described his season as "very frustrating." As the Kings struggle, he's also experienced a major decrease in his production.

His numbers across the board are down from his breakout 2016-17 campaign in his lone season with the Utah Jazz. Given the emergence of rookie point guards De'Aaron Fox and Frank Mason III, it's difficult to imagine the aging floor general staying with Sacramento's young core beyond this season.

"I've never been through anything like this, not ever," he said. "It's not what I expected, a little more difficult than I anticipated. I think as a team we all get along. ... But we're still trying to learn each other, and it's a different style of play. I've just got to figure things out."

The final season of Hill's deal is guaranteed for $1 million until July 1, 2019. If he isn't released prior to that date, Hill stays on the books for $18 million for the 2019-20 season.