The Sacramento Kings had their eyes on two key players but when the NBA trade deadline lapsed, no deal was consummated.
The Kings had Pau Gasol of the Chicago Bulls and Iman Shumpert of the Cleveland Cavaliers in mind, but general manager Vlade Divac held back on making any potential deal.
Per Yahoo Sports, the Kings were looking to snag at least one player before the NBA trade deadline in an effort to get more help as the team tries to make one last push for a postseason berth.
The Kings currently sit at 10th spot in the Western Conference with a 22–31 mark. To make it to the next round, they will have to get over the Utah Jazz (26–27) and the Houston Rockets (27–28) to do so.
In order for that to happen, the Kings need to come up with a winning streak of sorts to be in contention. The erratic season for the Kings doesn't seem comforting, although the All Star break may have allowed everyone to reflect and get back in sync.
George Karl will remain as head coach for now, although one of his aides were fired recently — Vance Wahlberg. Karl was left wondering on the reason why, although one can view it in the same way that Jeff Hornacek of the Phoenix Suns lost his assistants and was eventually dismissed.
Could Karl face the same scenario?
With the Kings needing to rack up some wins in succession, that could be the scenario. If he fails to do so, it won't be surprising if he gets booted out as well.
The Kings have the talent to make it, so it could be a matter of tweaking. A lot of it falls on the shoulders of DeMarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo.
If the two get their act together and lead the charge, there is no reason why the Kings cannot make one last push to the next round.
