Sacramento Kings re-sign Trey Lyles – Instant reaction and analysis
By Logan Struck
Within the first ten minutes of the 2023 free agency craziness, the Sacramento Kings have made headlines by re-signing veteran forward Trey Lyles. After being acquired by Sacramento in February of 2022, Trey Lyles has had a prominent bench role for the Kings, contributing to their best season of the last 17 years.
The 27-year-old power forward is coming off his 6th NBA season, averaging 7.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game with 45/36/81 shooting splits. Trey Lyles is a great fit into the Kings’ lineup, and it would have been a big loss if Sacramento did not re-sign him.
Trey Lyles reportedly signed a two-year deal worth $16 million to stay in Sacramento.
This two-year deal reported by Chris Haynes includes no player or team options, but bonuses are included (via The Athletic). For Sacramento to re-sign Lyles to $8 million per year is vital to the success of the team heading into next season.
Trey Lyles is a versatile forward who occasionally plays backup center in a small-ball lineup. The 6’9″ big man has a 7’2″ wingspan, allowing him to stretch the floor on offense and defense.
With an improving three-point shot, Lyles has developed into a stretch four/five. After appearing in 74 games last season but starting none of them, Lyles comes back to Sacramento with no questions about his role. Lyles being comfortable in his role is important when bringing him back rather than trying to replace him.
The Sacramento Kings bring back Trey Lyles along with Harrison Barnes, as it appears the Kings’ front office is preparing to run it back. After a disappointing first-round playoff loss, Kings fans expected more significant changes to the roster, especially after the Richaun Holmes draft night trade that gave the Kings the most cap space of any 2023 playoff team.
Free agency is just getting started, and the Kings still have money to spend, so small roster re-tools are expected. Trey Lyles re-signing was an important step taken in the Kings’ offseason, as he is a fantastic player for Sacramento.
Trey Lyles builds up the Sacramento frontcourt depth, and it will be interesting to see how Sasha Vezenkov’s expected signing works out with the new Lyles contract.
