The Sacramento Kings are out of the NBA Playoffs. They can decide whether their players are part of their future or not. Such a decision was made for Jimmer Fredette.

Fredette was a college star with Brigham Young University. Known for his hot, streaky shooting, he never got it going with the Kings. It also did not help his cause that the Kings drafted Ben McLemore in this year's draft-a taller, more athletic shooting guard.

Jimmer could not make it as an NBA point guard, and Sacramento did what was best for the team, and also for Jimmer. Basketball Insiders points out that there might be an underlying reason for the transaction:

"Rather than forcing him to wait out the rest of the season in a limited role on a losing team, the Kings decided to let him go now so that he has an opportunity to prove himself before hitting the market. Agents really appreciate - and remember - that kind of gesture and it only helps create a player-friendly reputation for the front office."

Relations with Player Agents are important, and this is one reality of being an NBA GM. Fredette is with Octagon Sports, the same agency that handles Rudy Gay, the Kings' former All-Star forward. Good relations with his agents can help them negotiate a reasonable deal.

When a player leaves, someone else will stay. Despite the trade rumors, Isaiah Thomas stayed, and he is now the Kings' top option at the point.

Thomas has the skills to survive in the NBA, but what he lacked is something they cannot develop. His height (or lack thereof) has hurt him all his career, also a reason he was drafted so late. From Hang Time blog:

"Every offseason I go into the new year thinking, 'OK, we had a losing season, so nobody's job is secure but DeMarcus Cousins' and now Rudy Gay's.  I'm 5-9. So I understand. I understand. Five-nine, there's not another 5-9 starting guard in this league. You haven't seen one and you can probably name on your hand, on your five fingers, a starting point guard in the history of the NBA that's been this short. I understand it. But at the same time, I'm just willing to work and willing to showcase my skills."

Isaiah shows the spirit that has taken him this far. Can he keep it up to take the next step in his career?