NBA Trade Rumors: Deals That Could Send Sacramento Kings Back to Playoffs

The Sacramento Kings have the talent and the capacity to make the NBA Playoffs this season, something they haven't done since 2006.

Now the major block between Sacramento and a return to the playoffs is one of leadership and chemistry, and if the Kings can get both, they could easily have the talent to sneak into the playoffs in the Western Conference.

The potential is there, thanks to the young guns of Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins, both of whom have worked extensively in the long summer to refine the weaknesses in their game.

But the offseason is not over yet, and the Kings have plenty of time to add the missing pieces to their puzzle. With only about $32 million in committed salary, the Kings need to add around $17 million in new contracts in order to reach the CBA-regulated $49 million salary floor before the beginning of the season.

How are the Kings looking to spend their money, and will it help them on their quest to return to the playoffs? Let's take a look.

Re-Sign Marcus Thornton

Marcus Thornton came over to Sacramento at the trade deadline last season, but retaining his services is the most important step the Kings must take in order to return to the playoffs.

Thornton, who averaged 21.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 27 games for the Kings last season, is just a step down from Evans and Cousins in the Sacramento pecking order.

While much of the fanbase is excited about rookie Jimmer Fredette, Thornton's departure from the team would be a huge blow to the Kings' rebuilding efforts.

According to Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated, Thornton is drawing interest from four to five teams, including his former team, the New Orleans Hornets.

The Kings want Thornton to return and all signs point to it being a mutual desire, but this isn't a signing Sacramento should wait on.

Since Thornton is a restricted free agent, the Kings can match any contract thrown his way, but they shouldn't let Thornton test the field. They should sign Thornton to a respectable contract as soon as possible in order to show him and the team just how important he is to the franchise.

Re-Sign Samuel Dalembert

Samuel Dalembert came over in a trade last summer from the Philadelphia 76ers, and for the first time since the departure of fan-favorite Scott Pollard he gave the Kings a legitimate post defender. 

And while his name is quickly linked to the Miami Heat or the New York Knicks, both clamoring for a center, it's unlikely that the mid-level exception contract (a $5 million base) they could offer would be enough to persuade the big man.

SI's Sam Amick recently talked with Dalembert and asked him about signing a mid-level contract:

"

So when Dalembert was questioned about why he would take the mid-level deal in light of the slew of salary-cap-friendly teams before him, he laughed loudly and said, "Anybody ever tell you you're too smart for your own good?"

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Dalembert, like most centers in this free agency, will probably get more than they deserve as the NBA overpays for size. But that is a risk Sacramento should take if they hope to make the playoffs.

The size and strength of the Kings bigs last season, anchored by Dalembert and Cousins, gave opponents fits at times and even held their own in matchups against the Los Angeles Lakers. That is an advantage Sacramento should not be so quick to give up.

Acquire Veteran Talent

The Kings are one of the youngest teams in the NBA, and the continued addition of veterans to provide leadership and help build team chemistry is a must if they hope to make the playoffs this season.

So far, the Kings haven't been linked to any of the big-name free agents, but have emerged as the front-runner to sign forward/center Chuck Hayes, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

Hayes in vastly undersized for his position, but he's one of the better post defenders in the league and would be a great addition, even if Dalembert leaves.

The Kings have also been linked to Mavericks guard J.J. Barea and Wizards swingman Nick Young, although it's harder to see how either would fit in the Kings roster. Both will command a serious payday, and Sacramento probably would be smart to avoid overpaying for either.

And while Shane Battier seems likely to sign with the Miami Heat, according to Wojnarowski, there isn't a player who better fits the Kings' need. His combination of veteran experience and defensive prowess would really help Sacramento, and while he most likely will go to a contender the Kings should be doing their best to convince him to come to Sacramento.

Use the Amnesty Auction Wisely

The new amnesty clause in the soon-to-be-signed CBA is perhaps the most intriguing part of the offseason, as any player waived by their team using the amnesty clause will find their talents being auctioned off to the highest bidder.

If a team waives a player, all of the remaining teams with cap space can bid on his contract and whomever would pay the highest amount of his remaining salary will get the player. The remainder of his contract would be paid by his old team, but would not count towards their salary cap.

While reports have been flying about of teams holding off on using their amnesty clause, one big name seems destined to be waived—Trail Blazers guard/forward Brandon Roy.

Roy would be a superstar if not for his knee problems, but the Trail Blazers are likely to use the amnesty clause to wipe his max contract off of their books.

Should Roy be amnestied, Sacramento should bid seriously for his services.

Even if he never becomes the player he would have been without his knee issues, Roy would be a fantastic addition. He is a tough player has has been a leader for Portland. He could easily play small forward for Sacramento, a position of need, and at worst he would be a spark plug off the bench.

The risk for Sacramento, or any team for that matter, would significantly rise if teams bid higher and higher for Roy. But given his proven talents and leadership, it's a risk Sacramento should take.

Another player who may be waived and fits the Kings' needs is Hawks forward Marvin Williams, especially if they could snag him at a lower price.