Now that the Sacramento Kings completed their in-season moves, here's what the franchise must do next to win over fans.
The Sacramento Kings became their own ebb and flow current.
They created a wave across the league by dealing away Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroeder and got back the Cleveland Cavaliers' De'Andre Hunter in exchange. Plus sent Dario Saric to the Chicago Bulls in the three-team deal.
But like most waves, it goes calm and slow in due time. And Sacramento became just that in the final hour of the NBA Trade Deadline.
Domantas Sabonis to Toronto? That fell apart.
DeMar DeRozan getting shipped out and landing with a contender? Didn't happen and the veteran stays.
Malik Monk becoming a surefire trade candidate? The reserve manages to stick around in the end.
Sacramento already received dismal grades for its trade production. But there are more moves that need to be made -- even past the deadline. Here's where the Kings must turn to next.
Reconnect With Toronto
You read that right -- circle back with the Raptors even despite the botched Sabonis deal.
NBA insider Brett Siegel already believes these two franchises will resume talks after the season. That means Sabonis will become an NBA Draft night trade possibility.
Perhaps holding off on dealing Sabonis could work after all. That way Sacramento's chances of landing an additional first rounder can come into play.
Multiple reports revealed the Kings wanted high draft picks as part of a proposed Sabonis swap. Yet the 29-year-old is still coming back from his partial MCL tear. He'll be more healthy by the offseason and have time to reclaim his speed. That alone can potentially make Sabonis more enticing as a trade candidate come draft night.
Focus on a Scoring Big Man for Draft Night
Obviously a lot hinges on where the Kings fall on NBA Draft lottery night.
But if they land the top overall pick, BYU's AJ Dybantsa needs to be the one holding up a Kings jersey and wearing a Sacramento hat come June.
He'll instantly become one of the more athletically gifted and dynamic forwards the Kings will have in years. General manager Scott Perry can even convince DeRozan or even Russell Westbrook to come back and show Dybantsa the league ropes.
But if not Dybantsa, Cam Boozer of Duke can boost the inside help especially if Sabonis is moved off.
Get Younger
Age often looks evident on the floor during Kings games.
DeRozan and Westbrook face nebulous futures this offseason. Both are also past the age of 36. Zach LaVine is another surpassing the 30s.
Regardless, Sacramento needs to find a way to get younger behind the three and create a new wave.
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