NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason needs for the Sacramento Kings

4. A Star

The Kings’ recruiting efforts are going to be an uphill battle this year. They have given themselves a reputation as the dictionary definition of dysfunctional. The fact that they appeared to get the short end of the Cousins trade doesn’t help make potential players feel like they’d be in good hands in Golden 1 Center.

A lot of that reticence would be cured if the Kings somehow lured a real star to the team. A star like Dwyane Wade or Chris Paul, both of whom are in player-option years,  would give the team the credibility it lost when they traded their only VIP.

Important role players are more willing to join a team if they think they have a chance of winning. Adding a bona fide superstar would take pressure off the pieces they are trying to develop. If they get an aging star, it will also mean that the team won’t be expected to alter their long-term plans to accommodate somebody who will retire soon. They can stick to their long-term plan, and win in the meantime.

It would also help draw fans back to the arena. They were 16th in attendance this year, which puts them in the bottom half of the league. The simple truth is that people come to see players, not the game. If a big name is in on the court, people will be in the seats. It’s why the Cavaliers and Warriors have the highest road attendance in the league.

If the Kings want a quick fix for their on-court and on-paper issues, adding a household name will go a long way.