Which free agents should the Sacramento Kings cop or drop on their current roster? A Royal Pain gives its intake on each player.
For the last couple of weeks, A Royal Pain has written articles on multiple players on the Sacramento Kings that could be free agents going into this offseason. In these articles, we have written our opinion on whether the Kings should re-sign the player or not.
So with that being said, please enjoy this slideshow that gives our analysis on each current Kings player that could be a free agent this summer.
Arron Afflalo
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Arron Afflalo isn’t a free agent just yet. He is due to be paid $12.5 million for next season, but the Kings only need to pay the $1.5 million guaranteed left on his deal to terminate his contract (per Spotrac). If the Kings decide to go this route, Afflalo will then become a free agent this summer.
Maybe one of the harder decisions in this series because although Arron Afflalo was solid this season, there really isn’t a need for him based on the number of two-guards that are expected be on the Kings’ roster for next season.
The decision is that Afflalo shouldn’t be on the Kings because it saves both cap space and a roster spot for the team. But with that being said, it wouldn’t be the worst thing if the Kings do decide to pay Afflalo’s entire salary for next year because he was an asset on the offensive side of the ball this season.
To read the full analysis on Afflalo, click here.
Darren Collison
There should be a serious consideration to bringing Darren Collison back to the Kings. Although he lacked defensive efficiency this season, he was also one of the more efficient offensive players as he averaged 13.2 points per game while shooting 47.6% from the floor and 41.7% from the three-point line.
I think it would be fair if the Kings offered a 3-year/$54 million contract to Darren. He has been nothing but consistent for the Kings throughout his tenure, and there is no reason to believe he won’t continue that pattern if he stays.
The Kings should be looking to add a young point guard that they can develop going forward, but the Kings also need an established facilitator, like Collison, that can help that point guard get acclimated in the NBA.
To read the full analysis on Collison, click here.
Tyreke Evans
It doesn’t make sense to re-sign Tyreke Evans this offseason. The Kings are currently rebuilding for the future and have a lot of young two-guards on their roster. So adding Evans to the mix would just create a logjam at the position.
Personnel is not the only reason bringing back Evans would be a mistake either. Although Evans was solid when he played for the Kings this season, he does tend to play iso-ball a little too much which can cause the offense for Sacramento to stall at times.
It was nice to turn back the clock and see Tyreke back in the purple and white, but the Kings should not try to re-sign him for next season.
To read the full analysis on Evans, click here.
Ty Lawson
A various of actions have to happen to justify re-signing Ty Lawson. If the Kings do not decide to draft a point guard in this upcoming draft or don’t re-sign Darren Collison, then bringing back Lawson for another season could be a good alternative.
For this season, Lawson did a good job in being the spark plug off the bench. So if the Kings are in need of point guard going into next season, signing Lawson to a contract worth $14 million over two years could be a good investment.
To read the full analysis on Lawson, click here.
Ben McLemore
It could beneficial for both parties if the Sacramento Kings do not re-sign Ben McLemore this summer. Like it was mentioned for Arron Afflalo and Tyreke Evans, there is a logjam at the two-guard position. This would mean if the Kings were to re-sign Ben, he would have a very limited role on the team which would probably stall his development process. It was nice to see Flight #23 fly the skies of Sacramento for four seasons, but it is time to move on.
To read the dull analysis on McLemore, click here.
Anthony Tolliver
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Anthony Tolliver isn’t a free agent just yet. He is due to be paid $8 million for next season, but the Kings only need to pay the $2 million guaranteed left on his deal to terminate his contract (per Spotrac). If the Kings decide to go this route, Tolliver will then become a free agent this summer.
There should be no hesitation in bringing back Anthony Tolliver for next season. Not only was the eight-year veteran solid in fulfilling his role as a stretch-four, but he showcased incredible leadership towards his teammates throughout the season.
With the Kings rebuilding their team, they are going to have a lot of young talent. But with that talent, they also need to have veterans that are willing help out the young guys in improving their basketball skills. Tolliver has proven throughout his actions this season that he is the ideal veteran for the Kings’ current situation. Keep him on board for next year.
To read the full analysis on Tolliver, click here.