Sacramento Kings reportedly signed up ahead Keegan Murray for a five-year, $140 million rookie extension, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Fourth overall pick in the 2022 draft. NBA Draft He was scheduled to become a restricted free agent next summer, but his new contract keeps him in Sacramento through the 2030-31 season.
The hope is that Murray can return to the version of himself that averaged 15.2 points on 35.8 percent from 3-point range as a sophomore. He looked like a serious three-and-D threat that season, but his numbers plummeted last season (12.4 points, 34.3% from deep), due in part to all the changes around him in the lineup with the addition of DeMar DeRozan And Zach LaVineand departure De'Aaron Fox. There was also the firing of Mike Brown and the promotion of Doug Christie to the managerial position, which certainly contributed to Murray's third-year slump. But with a roster and coaching staff like this in the offseason, Murray could certainly return to form.
Unfortunately, however, he will begin the season on the injured list due to a torn thumb ligament that will keep him out of action. out of action for 4-6 weeks. This is a huge loss for the Kings. But in the long run, Murray's contract extension is a win for a franchise that has seemed aimless in recent years.
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Murray's extension comes on the heels of the team's signing of a veteran defenseman. Russell Westbrook to Wednesday's deal, adding him to an already crowded backcourt. It's unclear how Westbrook will fit into that lineup or how many minutes he'll get given that the team already has Dennis Schröder on board. Malik Monk And Keon Ellis. But that's nothing when you consider all the bad moves the Kings have made over the years (such as trading Tyrese Haliburton).
Renewing Murray's contract was a smart move. Either the Kings will see Murray continue to develop, or he will become a valuable trade chip for a contending team looking for size on the perimeter and is a 37.2% career 3-point shooter. Murray holds the Kings' record for most threes made in a single game (12), according to CBS Sports research. He also broke NBA Holds the rookie record for most three-pointers made in a season (206) and is one of only three players with at least 500 three-pointers, 150 blocks and 150 steals in the last three seasons. Two other players in this category Anthony Edwards And Derrick Whitepretty good company for the fourth year ahead.
