5 Players the Sacramento Kings Should Follow Before the Trade Deadline

As the trade deadline draws near in the shortened NBA season, the Sacramento Kings should take advantage of opportunities to attract talent and balance their guard-heavy lineup.

There are multiple teams looking to prepare for playoff runs, cut salary or remove malcontents from disrupting team chemistry.

Here is a top-five list of players the Sacramento Kings should court before the trade deadline.

Pau Gasol

Chemistry has been in flux throughout this short NBA season for the Los Angeles Lakers. The departure of Lamar Odom and resulting effects on the discontent of the locker room have been routinely reported. Pau Gasol has been the focus of swirling trade rumors, and the Lakers need a point guard.

J.J. Hickson is one option to replace the big man Gasol, in addition to John Salmons to swing the deal. The Kings would likely need to involve a third team to bring the Lakers returning value, which brings us to the next slide. Gasol would add depth to the front line, which is sorely needed to develop an inside-out game.

Jermaine O'Neal or Ray Allen

Young point guard Isaiah Thomas has been on display as a starter for Sacramento and has been garnering league-wide attention for his shooting and distribution abilities.

The Boston Celtics may be willing to shed Jermaine O’Neal and might consider a package deal for Ray Allen. Both veterans would provide experience and leadership on the court for the Kings.

The fact for the Kings remains that Jimmer Fredette is the point guard of the future and has seen his minutes inhibited for the more productive Thomas. In a season lost for the playoffs, the Kings should reinvest in Fredette for the future development that can be earned game by game.

Dallas Mavericks: Take Your Pick

With the palpable absence of Tyson Chandler in the interior, the Mavericks are looking for a big man. J.J. Hickson has been less than a stellar fit in Sacramento and has value in Dallas. The question is: Who would the Kings ask for in return?

Vince Carter will not be a long-term Maverick, but he does not immediately fill any void for the Kings. Lamar Odom is of questionable status for the first time in his career. Perhaps a multiple-team deal might sway interest in Hickson being freed up for more depth in the Kings lineup.

Michael Beasley

Michael Beasley is a rapidly developing talent. He brings quickness and ball-handling to a turnover-prone Kings team.

The Kings could use explosive talent, and they have plenty of guards and forwards to package in return, including John Salmons and Donte Greene.

Troy Murphy

Troy Murphy was getting glares from Kobe Bryant on Sunday after an air ball and turnover in the third quarter against the Heat. Murphy has been a poor fit in Los Angeles and does not fit into the Lakers' basketball system.

The Kings need more accurate shooters, and Murphy can extend the floor. He would spread the offense and make the poor shooting team improved. Murphy played well in Golden State, and the Kings run a similar free-form style to get him better-quality looks and more minutes per game.