Kings on lookout for strong defender ahead of trade deadline

The Sacramento Kings are looking for a “strong defender” to add to the rotation before the Feb. 8 trade deadline, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

While Woj didn’t throw out any names, several wing types are believed to be available — including Warriors small forward Andrew Wiggins, Hawks wing De’Andre Hunter and Nets forwards Royce O’Neale and Dorian Finney-Smith, particularly known for his perimeter defense.

It’s not known if the Kings have interest in any of those players, especially the likes of Wiggins and Hunter, who have larger contracts and who would cost more assets/players.

But there seems to be little doubt that the Kings are looking to make a move — with forward Harrison Barnes and shooting guard Kevin Huerter reportedly being dangled as bait.

During a weekly chat on social media platform Threads, Wojnarowski responded to a reader who asked about potential Sacramento moves.

“Tell me the Sacramento front office is looking for a strong defender to add to the lineup,” the user wrote.

“Good news: The Kings are looking for a strong defender to add to the lineup,” Wojnarowski responded.

The Kings blew a massive fourth-quarter lead in losing to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, as our Brandon Santomauro detailed.