In a bid to capitalize on a potential three-to-six year winning window, the Sacramento Kings are actively seeking to upgrade their roster during this offseason. Despite a disappointing end to their season, the Kings have found themselves in possession of valuable roster-building ammunition, thanks to missing out on the Play-In game.

Had the Sacramento Kings won their Play-In game, their lottery-protected first-round pick would've been sent to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a previous deal. However, their loss allowed them to retain the protected pick, which is slotted at 13th overall in the upcoming NBA draft.

The Kings have already made attempts to utilize this pick for significant roster upgrades, coming close to a trade deal for defensive specialist Alex Caruso. The Chicago Bulls ultimately opted to send Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey, surprising many within the league.

League sources indicate that the Kings have been evaluating several late lottery-level prospects, including Zach Edey, a dominant 7-foot-4 center known for his shot-blocking abilities. However, there is a growing inclination within the organization to prioritize adding veteran players who can contribute immediately to the team's win-now situation.

With that in mind, the 13th pick remains available in trade talks along with the necessary cap filler and additional picks. The Kings are actively looking for an early to mid-prime player who can enhance their existing core, consisting of De'Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk, and Keegan Murray.

Speaking of Monk, the Kings secured their core's continuity by agreeing to an extension with head coach Mike Brown and re-signing Monk to a four-year, $78 million deal. Monk, who finished as the runner-up for the Sixth Man of the Year award, signed back with the Kings despite uncertainties about his role in the upcoming season.

These early commitments provide the Kings with an advantageous position as they intensify their pursuit of significant upgrades. The franchise aims to surround their talented core with players who can help maximize their chances of success over the next few years.

While the Kings' focus remains on strengthening the roster, the future of De'Aaron Fox also hangs in the balance. League sources reveal that Fox has decided not to sign a contract extension this year, preferring to assess how the team shapes up for the long term. The All-Star guard, with two seasons remaining on his current deal, aspires to compete at the highest level and potentially qualify for a larger max contract if he secures an All-NBA selection.

The Kings have previously come close to sealing notable trades, including one involving Pascal Siakam during the last trade deadline. Ultimately, the Indiana Pacers secured Siakam's services, leaving the Kings with a sense of regret and wondering if they could have convinced him to stay had they won the bidding war.

Another player who has piqued the Kings' interest is Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards. The Kings had previously attempted to acquire Kuzma in a trade involving Buddy Hield last year, and now they find themselves once again exploring the possibility of bringing him to Sacramento. Kuzma's favorable contract makes him an appealing target, with three remaining seasons at a declining rate.

As the pressure mounts for the Kings to succeed in the playoffs, their financial picture becomes increasingly significant. Domantas Sabonis' contract is set to rise significantly in the coming years, Keegan Murray's extension eligibility looms, and Fox faces a pivotal decision regarding his future. These factors make the Kings a team to watch during the NBA's transaction season.

As the draft approaches and trade talks heat up, the Sacramento Kings are poised to make bold moves as they strive to build a competitive roster around their talented core and secure sustainable success in the seasons to come.