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5 trades Sacramento Kings should make before the deadline

By Rory Ostrow

Jan 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 30, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) handles the ball against Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) during the second half at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Sacramento Kings 121-117. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) handles the ball against Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) during the second half at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Sacramento Kings 121-117. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Swap Ben McLemore for a marksman

Ben McLemore has been mediocre for the Kings since being drafted 7th overall in 2013. Heralded as a great shooter coming out of college, he has disappointed so far in this facet shooting 34.6% from behind the arc for his career. However, McLemore is still young and athletic, and could have good trade value on the market.

The Kings starting lineup needs a floor spacer and shooter, not a slasher, which McLemore appears to be developing into. A couple of options would be Khris Middleton of the Bucks or Evan Fournier of the Magic. So far this season, Middleton is putting up a career high in scoring averaging roughly 17 points per game, and the fourth-year pro would be a big upgrade from long distance. This trade would require the Kings to give up another piece or a draft pick to complete as Middleton carries more value than McLemore.

Fournier, who is putting up nearly 14 points per game, would be a cheaper option. These players are similarly skilled and a straight one-for-one swap would not be out of the question.

Next: 3. Deal Rajon Rondo and Marco Belinelli

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