The Sacramento Kings are struggling. A year ago, that would've been a given. But now, with a new ownership and  the city still fighting to keep the team, they can't afford another dismal season.

New coach Mike Malone is not taking it lightly and he has used every possible rotation. He has changed the starting line-up numerous times. The only person who started constantly was DeMarcus Cousins, and despite his inconsistencies and his behavior, he is the only good thing that the Kings have at this point.

From a report by NBA.com's Scott Cooper, the Kings are actively trading to get better, if not this year, then the next. They have a possible asset in Jimmer Fredette, and they will take what they can get for him.

"Fredette is widely known to be available after the decision in October to decline his option for next season. But the third-year guard, mostly out of the rotation, would bring little in return. One executive was asked if Fredette could bring as much as a pick late in the 2014 first round and said, 'Not this year.'"

Draft picks are gold next year, and as the college season continues to showcase the talents of next year's projected draft picks, more teams are unlikely to let go of their picks. That includes the Kings themselves.

Perhaps the next best thing for the Kings is to fill one of their needs-a scoring forward. If they're looking beyond this year, a play for Danny Granger, who's currently injured (short term) of the Indiana Pacers would be good. The Pacers could use Fredette, but they would probably ask for more.

The Philadelphia 76ers are a team that's also looking beyond, and they may trade their assets. They had no interest in keeping Evan Turner, but they would probably want picks in return.

If the Kings agree to part with their pick and Fredette, they have a chance to improve their team now.  Building with Cousins, rookie Ben McLemore and Isaiah Thomas, they need solid scoring forwards.