While the Kings do not have much financial flexibility, they do have a list of valuable assets, meaning financial flexibility may be a deal away if they choose to take that path. Spending may be limited in the immediate future, but the Kings are well-positioned to pursue various avenues via trades.
It has been a trying season in Sacramento, with Artest being involved in offcourt activities ranging from alleged domestic abuse to more recently informing his teammates of his plans to retire (which he rescinded).
Additionally, Bibby has curiously seen a dip in his productivity. One of the most consistent, clutch players in the league the past several years, Bibby opened the season with a thumb injury, explaining his early shooting woes. But as the season draws to its close, most of Bibby's numbers remain below his career averages. Bibby is only 28 years old and should be in his prime. To his credit, he has played hurt, battled adversity, and not missed one game.
The silver lining this season for the Kings has been the breakout of Martin, who appears the logical candidate to serve as the cornerstone for the club's next generation. Selected No. 26 in the 2004 draft, Martin has emerged as one of the league's most efficient scorers, doubling his point production from a season ago while improving his shooting percentages.
The Kings have not yet conceded to a rebuilding structure, choosing instead to add quality veteran players to bolster the abilities of Bibby, Miller and the emerging Martin. Artest, of course, will always be regarded as a gamble, and the Kings will have to calculate the shifting percentages of that gamble as they proceed this summer.