Sacramento Kings Rumor Roundup: The latest free agency buzz
With free agency less than a day away, the Sacramento Kings have found themselves caught up in the free agency buzz that isn’t normally heard in Sacramento.
’Tis the season for NBA free agency — a season Sacramento Kings are often left out of. This year though, the Kings are primed to be major players once the clock hits 6 p.m. on June 30.
Who they’re targeting, however, has been more fluid than the Pacific Ocean, but that won’t stop us from rounding up all the latest free agency buzz.
Kings likely to re-sign Harrison Barnes
Nothing is certain yet, but after Harrison Barnes opted-out of his $25.1 million player option many suspected that was a precursor to a new, long-term deal to stay in Sacramento. According to KHTK’s Carmichael Dave, that’s exactly the case.
Dave reported on Friday that the Kings and Barnes were working towards a new four-year deal worth about $88 million, which was confirmed by Marc Stein of the New York Times. The deal will likely be an ascending one over four years, which would cut Barnes’ cap figure to just over $19 million in year one.
Related Story. What Harrison Barnes’ opt-out means for the Kings. light
If that’s the case, as Sactown Royalty’s Tim Maxwell points out, would give Sacramento enough space for a max deal, or enough to make a deal in the $24-27 million range and with nearly $20 million to spend on a backup point guard and wing.
Sacramento to seriously pursue Al Horford
Similar to Barnes, Al Horford declined a player option in hopes of securing a long-term deal, something he’s primed to receive.
The five-time All-Star is reportedly seeking a four-year deal worth more than $100 million, with NBC Sports confirming the Kings’ interest. The Kings would likely have to overpay to bring him here, with something like four year, $112 million likely to get it done should the Kings offer it.
They’ll have competition for his services, however, as the Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans and several others contending for him.
UPDATE 6/30, 1:03 p.m. ET: Per The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Sacramento Kings are operating on the assumption that Al Horford will be signing elsewhere.
Beverley to Kings not happening
Unfortunately for Sacramento Kings fans everywhere, the team isn’t likely to pursue Patrick Beverley, according to NBC Sports California.
Related Story. Kings should throw the bag at Patrick Beverley. light
Beverley is reportedly seeking a three-year, $40 million contract which the Kings can afford. The issue, is that the Kings may not be able to give him the big role he’s looking for, which will likely prevent them from being serious contenders for Beverley’s services.
Sacramento to chase Tobias Harris
While it’s not likely to happen, the Sacramento Kings are set to pursue Tobias Harris, which was reported several weeks ago and recently reiterated by NBC Sports.
Harris’ fit with the Kings has been well-documented and discussed at A Royal Pain, and the Kings would be wise to chase him. He’d easily require a max contract, but the Kings can afford it. A starting lineup of De’Aaron Fox-Buddy Hield-Harrison Barnes-Tobias Harris-Marvin Bagley would undoubtedly be a playoff team, even in an ultra-comestible Western Conference.
More. Three reasons to max Tobias Harris. light
If the Kings strike out on Nikola Vucevic and Al Horford, keep an eye out for a more aggressive pursuit of Harris once free agency begins.
Orlando Magic to offer Nikola Vucevic four-year deal worth $90 million
Speaking of Vucevic, the Magic are reportedly trying lock up their All-Star center once free agency begins, according to the New York Times’ Marc Stein.
The Kings were reportedly interested in acquiring the talented center, but NBC Sports rebuffed that, saying the max contract it’d likely cost was too much for the Kings. If the Magic are offering significantly below max-money though, the Kings could become interested again.
A four-year deal worth $100 million to the 28-year-old would likely be a better move than give $112 million to a 33-year-old Al Horford. Still, it’s unclear if the Kings will change course and try and court Vooch once free agency opens Sunday afternoon.
UPDATE 12:01 a.m. ET, 6/30: The New York Times’ Marc Stein is reporting that Nikola Vucevic intends to re-sign with the Orlando Magic for four years, $100 million.
Kings reportedly interested in Dewayne Dedmon
KHTK has been on a roll in free agency, beating ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and The Athletics Shams Charania to nearly every major rumor coming out of the Kings’ camp. The latest being the Kings’ reported interest in signing Dewayne Dedmon.
Dedmon’s fit with the Kings was talked about at length, here, but it’s worth noting again just how big of an upgrade he’d be at center for the Kings. He’d cost less than $15 million per year, and fits everything the Kimgs need in a center, especially as a rim protector and rebounder, something they never got with Cauley-Stein.
Kings interested in adding Cory Joseph
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Kings are expected to be among several teams chasing the Pacers free agent.
Next. Sacramento Kings are back on the Nikola Vucevic train. dark
Joseph is an excellent defender, and would fill the Kings’ need for a backup point guard and he’s not likely to break the bank. If the Kings are able to add Joseph, Barnes and either Vooch or Horford, look out NBA.