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Sacramento Kings free agency: Garrett Temple has option

By Tyler Watts

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 02: Garrett Temple #17 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on January 2, 2018 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 02: Garrett Temple #17 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on January 2, 2018 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 1: Garrett Temple #17 and Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings talk prior to the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 1, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 1: Garrett Temple #17 and Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings talk prior to the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 1, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

What to expect on the open market

The money and stability of a longer-term contract can always be reasons to change teams.  If Temple accepts his option, he has, in essence, a one-year $8 million deal with the Kings.  They could extend his contract, but that seems unlikely until after next season.  The question becomes what can Temple get on the open market?  Let us try to answer that inquiry.

Temple turns 32 on May 8, but should still have a few productive years left in the league.  He signed a three-year $24 million deal with the Kings in 2016, so there is that precedent.

Related Story: JaKarr Sampson earned a spot with the Kings next season

A look at last year’s market shows a mixed bag for wing players over 30 years old.  Kyle Korver at age 36 snagged a three-year deal worth $22 million from Cleveland, but players like Jodie Meeks (two-years $7 million) and Nick Young (one-year $5.2 million) are making less than Temple’s player option over the length of their contract.  Jamal Crawford (two-years $8.9 million) did better, and P.J. Tucker knocked it out of the park securing four-years and $32 million from the Rockets.  One could argue Temple is more on par with Meeks and Swaggy P, but it depends on what a team is willing to pay for leadership.  I would say it is about a coin flip gamble that Temple gets more $8 million and he is likely looking at a one or two year contract on the open market.

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