The task that Sacramento Kings have to do to become a contender for the NBA championship again

The Sacramento Kings are going through a defining moment. Just two seasons ago, they were the talk of the league with the "light the beam" phenomenon, achieving third place in the West with 48 wins. However, the shine faded quickly. Last season, they plummeted to a 40-42 record, missing the playoffs after falling in the play-in. Today, sportsbooks project them to win only 35 games and label them as a borderline team. What was once a story of resurgence now sounds like a warning. The positive momentum has vanished, but not the urgency.

Since trading DeMarcus Cousins in 2017, the Kings have not found a true anchor in the paint. Domantas Sabonis has come closest to it, boasting a resume that includes two All-Star appearances, an All-NBA selection, and votes for MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. However, his nature is that of a power forward, not a true center. His offensive brilliance is not enough to mask the team's most glaring deficiency: rim protection.

Last year, Sacramento ranked 17th in rim protection and 22nd in overall defensive rating, a gap too deep to compensate even with a top-7 offense led by DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Malik Monk. In this context, the need is evident. The projected lineup lacks defensive ceiling, and only the addition of a rim protector could balance the scales. To achieve this, the franchise must face an uncomfortable truth: putting Keegan Murray, selected fourth in the 2022 draft, on the trading block.

The forward burst onto the scene as an elite shooter, hitting 41% from beyond the arc in his rookie year. However, his impact waned last season, dropping to 34%, and his role in the rotation diminished. Nevertheless, his versatile small forward profile, with shooting, rebounding, and a rookie-scale contract, makes him a highly attractive piece for any contender.

Possible options in the market

With intact draft capital and available salaries, Sacramento can put together a competitive package, with Jarrett Allen in Cleveland and Daniel Gafford in Dallas emerging as realistic options. Allen is already an elite rim protector, while Gafford, though less proven, has shown growing potential near the basket. Both would address the team's immediate needs and provide Sabonis with the ideal complement.

The conclusion is clear: the Kings cannot afford to be passive. In a Western Conference filled with depth and superstars, sticking with an imbalanced core equals consigning themselves to irrelevance. Trading Murray may sting, but the time for tough decisions has come. Sacramento's future will depend on whether they are willing to sacrifice their promising forward in search of the defensive anchor they desperately need.

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