Mbah a Moute Fails Physical, Kings Void Contract

On Tuesday, July 14, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute signed what was expected to be a one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings, marking the 6’8” forward’s official return to the capital city after Sacramento traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for forward Derrick Williams in November of 2013.

Today, the Sacramento Kings announced that Mbah a Moute’s contract had been voided as the result of a failed physical.

From the Kings’s official press release:

"The Sacramento Kings today announced that free agent forward Luc Mbah a Moute has failed a physical examination administered by team medical staff. Subsequent to that finding, his contract signed on July 14 has been voided, according to Kings Vice President of Basketball and Franchise Operations Vlade Divac."

"Mbah a Moute, 6-8, 230-pound forward is averaging 6.8 points (.444 FG%, .299 3PT%, .665 FT%), 4.9 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game in 466 career contests with four teams; Milwaukee (2008-09 – 2012-13), Sacramento Kings (2013-14), Minnesota Timberwolves (2013-14) and Philadelphia 76ers (2014-15)."

Mbah a Moute’s departure now opens up a potential roster spot at the forward position.

If the Kings turn to free agency to remedy Luc’s absence, one name to consider has to be Josh Smith. Coming off an impressive playoff performance as a Houston Rocket, the 6’9” forward figures to command little-more than the veteran’s minimum from the team that ends up signing him, due to his previous time with the Detroit Pistons.

Smith has been linked to Sacramento this offseason, most notably prior to the Kings’s interest in Mbah a Moute and Andrea Bargnani. His fit on the team is questionable (as are his remaining abilities), though he is good friends with Rajon Rondo and Rudy Gay.

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Dorell Wright, a 6’9″ forward formerly of the Portland Trail Blazers, could be another player the Kings target. Wright sported a .380 3P% in 48 games with Portland last season, though he’d certainly fail to make up for the defense the Kings are losing in Mbah a Moute.

If Sacramento instead elects to stay in-house, Summer League players Duje Dukan, DeAndre Liggins and David Wear are possible candidates to fill in. All have impressed at various times throughout the Kings’s stay in Vegas, and Wear signed a 10-day contract with the team towards the end of last season.

Power forward Eric Moreland, who played his way onto the Kings this time last year and is currently under contract, could possibly help fill the void if need be.