While the Sacramento Kings stand firmly in the middle of the Western Conference playoff picture, it is imperative for their front office to make a move prior to the NBA’s Feb. 8 trade deadline.

It has been a relatively successful season for the Kings this year, but it’s hard for fans to not be frustrated with the team’s performance coming off of their first playoff berth in forever. Barely holding on to the fifth seed after a year of coasting to the third seed makes fans wonder, what do the Kings need to do to improve upon last year?

There was a whole lot of talk around the Kings potentially trading with the Toronto Raptors for wings OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam. After seeing the massive hauls that the New York Knicks gave up for Anunoby and the Indiana Pacers gave up for Siakam, it was probably for the best that the Kings didn’t trade for one of those two, as it would have likely compromised the Kings’ future.

There are still a few other trade targets that make sense for Sacramento, while not having to give up a massive amount of assets. 

It has been far from ideal for the 9-40 Washington Wizards this season and the Kings could pursue one or both of wing Kyle Kuzma and point guard Tyus Jones. 

Kuzma would be an instant difference-maker with his ability to score the ball at all three levels and would provide consistent points for a Kings offense that feels as hot-and-cold as ever. Meanwhile, Jones would be less of a splash, but would solve the Kings guard depth-issues as a capable facilitator and perimeter defender.

A Kuzma-Jones package would likely cost a whole lot, but it would really bring the Kings offense back to firing on all cylinders like it did last year.

Another route the Kings could go at the deadline is trading for defense. The offense isn’t how it was last year, but the defense is equally bad.

Matisse Thybulle, who can play at guard or at forward, is an almost picture-perfect target for Sacramento. The Portland Trail Blazers are still in rebuild-mode and would likely be willing to part ways with Thybulle, an elite defender who shouldn’t demand the trade package other players might.

There is also Jonathan Isaac, a long wing for the Orlando Magic. A guy who can hold his own on the defensive end of the floor against almost anybody. 

Regardless of who it is for, if the Kings want a shot at making it past the first round of the playoffs this year, they need to make a trade before the deadline. 

They either need another high-caliber scorer to help against the physical and long defensive teams they’ve struggled against all year, or they need to add some defense so that they aren’t completely reliant on their offense.

To say this year has been a disappointment so far would be an overreaction. After all, the “Beam Team” is firmly in the playoff picture. However, this fanbase and this front office have made it very clear that more needs to happen than just simply making the playoffs again.

Make the right trade at the deadline, and those high expectations have a legitimate shot at becoming reality.

The assets the Kings could most likely move for someone at the trade deadline include Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, Davion Mitchell and draft capital. Ideally it only takes one of those three players along with a draft pick or two to make a trade, but if it requires more than that, Sacramento should not hesitate. 

Although it has been a good year, it would take making a trade and moving on from a current player or two to make it a great year.