A Royal Pain
Fansided

Sacramento Kings: Addressing The Willie Cauley-Stein Situation

By John Kelly

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 4: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 4, 2019 at Golden 1 Center 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 4: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 4, 2019 at Golden 1 Center 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 4: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 4, 2019 at Golden 1 Center 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 4: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 4, 2019 at Golden 1 Center 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

With the Sacramento Kings’ offseason in full effect, how do they address the Willie Cauley-Stein situation?

With the NBA regular season now over, as well as the Sacramento Kings’ 2018-19 campaign, Willie Cauley-Stein suddenly becomes a restricted free agent. This now raises the question of whether he “gets paid” by Vlade Divac and company?

Throughout this season and overall NBA tenure, Willie checks some of the boxes for the Kings’ version of an ideal center. But on the other hand, he has major flaws that will need to be addressed, whether he stays in Sacramento or not.

What Is Willie’s Role/Price Range?

So far, the front office has had a wait-and-see approach when it comes to Willie’s development. For all of the attributes that Willie brings to the table, there is a portion of the fan base that points out every mistake he has made. Based on my analysis of Cauley-Stein, he is a backup center in the league. This could change, however, if he starts to become a better rebounder and rim protector down the road.

With Willie being a restricted free agent, it gives Sacramento the opportunity to match any offer that Willie receives this summer. In my opinion, an average of $15 million a season would be the ballpark figure for the four-year pro.

Are the Kings willing to take that contract on going forward? Let us take a look at the positives and negatives that Willie has shown during his career in Sacramento.

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