Three Trade Targets the Kings Must Keep Tabs On

The Sacramento Kings find themselves at a crossroads. After a promising start to the season, the team has stumbled to a 13-14 record, dropping yet another close game and showing clear signs that upgrades are needed sooner rather than later. Injuries to key depth pieces have only exacerbated their struggles, exposing gaps in the rotation and putting added pressure on their stars to carry the load. If the Kings want to solidify their playoff aspirations and keep pace in the highly competitive Western Conference, addressing these weaknesses on the trade market will be crucial. With that in mind, several potential targets could make an immediate impact. Whether it’s bolstering the bench, adding defensive versatility, or finding another reliable scorer, the Kings have options to explore. Here are three players who could help Sacramento get back on track.

Cam Johnson

Cam Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets is one player who could help the Kings address their immediate needs. The Kings desperately need more size, shooting, and overall scoring on the wing, and Johnson checks all those boxes. Standing at six-foot-eight, Johnson provides the length and floor spacing that Sacramento has lacked, especially with their struggles to get consistent production from their depth pieces due to injuries. He’s in the midst of a career year, averaging 19 points per game while shooting a scorching 43 percent from three on high volume. Johnson’s ability to knock down shots from deep at an elite clip would immediately improve the Kings’ spacing, giving De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis more room to operate in the paint and creating cleaner looks for everyone else in the lineup. Beyond his shooting, Johnson’s versatility makes him an even more valuable asset. He can play both forward spots, defend multiple positions on the perimeter, and score off the dribble or transition when needed. His ability to slot seamlessly into various lineups would give head coach Mike Brown far more flexibility in rotations, which has been a challenge with the current roster. However, acquiring a player like Johnson won’t be easy. The Kings could look to package Kevin Huerter, whose role has been inconsistent this season, along with a future draft pick to entice Brooklyn into a deal. That said, Johnson’s skill set and production make him a highly coveted target, meaning Sacramento would face stiff competition from other playoff contenders looking for a player of his caliber. Johnson fits the mold of what the Kings need, but prying him away from Brooklyn will take some serious negotiating. This dynamic balancing of competition and cost will also apply to the next target on the list.

Dorian Finney-Smith

Another intriguing trade target for the Kings is Dorian Finney-Smith, also of the Brooklyn Nets. While he doesn’t pack the same offensive punch as Cam Johnson, Finney-Smith is enjoying a career year from beyond the arc, shooting an absurd 45 percent from three and contributing 11 points per game. His offensive role may be more limited, but his ability to hit open shots makes him a reliable floor spacer who won’t clog up the offense. Finney-Smith truly shines on the defensive end. The Kings have struggled with defensive consistency, and Finney-Smith would immediately help address those issues. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, from wings to smaller forwards, while he brings the toughness, hustle, and energy that Sacramento has been sorely missing. Adding a player of his caliber would give the Kings a much-needed defensive presence, particularly in high-leverage moments where they’ve struggled to contain opposing stars. Unlike Cam Johnson, Finney-Smith likely won’t require the same level of draft capital to acquire. While his defensive impact and steady three-point shooting will put him on the radar for multiple teams, he’s more of a complementary piece than a centerpiece. The Kings could look to offer a smaller package, potentially centered on expiring contracts or a heavily protected draft pick, to get a deal done. Finney-Smith could be a perfect fit if Sacramento looks to shore up its weaknesses without emptying the cupboard. 

Robert Williams

The third potential trade target for the Kings is Robert Williams III from the Portland Trail Blazers. Williams, when healthy, is one of the league’s most impactful defensive big men, and his skill set could be precisely what Sacramento needs to take a step forward. Known for his elite rim protection, rebounding, and ability to anchor a defense, Williams would bring a level of physicality and interior toughness that the Kings have been sorely missing this season. Even though the Kings have Domantas Sabonis staffing the center position, Williams could be a perfect complement, allowing Sabonis to focus on orchestrating the offense and taking on matchups that suit his skill set. Williams’ defensive presence would improve Sacramento’s ability to protect the paint, block shots, and defend against elite interior scorers. Offensively, Williams doesn’t demand the ball, but he’s highly efficient around the rim and thrives as a lob threat in pick-and-roll situations. Additionally, his ability to crash the glass and create second-chance opportunities would add a valuable dimension to Sacramento’s offense. The primary concern for Williams, though, is his health. After undergoing knee surgery earlier this season, questions about his durability remain. However, Portland is clearly in a rebuilding phase, and they might be willing to move Williams for the correct package, especially if the Kings offer an intriguing mix of picks and players. While acquiring Williams comes with some risk, his defensive impact and physical presence could make him a transformative piece for Sacramento, addressing one of their most glaring weaknesses.

The Kings find themselves in a critical position as they look to turn their season around and solidify their standing in the Western Conference. With injuries exposing their lack of depth and consistency, exploring the trade market for upgrades is no longer just an option. It’s a necessity. Whether adding more scoring and shooting on the wing with someone like Cam Johnson, bringing in defensive toughness and versatility with Dorian Finney-Smith, or shoring up the interior with a defensive anchor like Robert Williams III, the Kings have clear pathways to address their weaknesses. While each target presents its challenges in terms of cost and competition, the front office needs to be aggressive to ensure Sacramento stays competitive. The Western Conference is unforgiving, and standing pat could risk undoing the franchise's progress last season. By identifying the right moves and pulling the trigger at the right time, the Kings can stabilize their season and position themselves as an actual playoff threat.