NBA free agency rumor: Sacramento Kings interested in veteran forward
By Logan Struck
The Sacramento Kings have been busy this free agency while only re-signing players from last year’s roster. The two new additions have been Sasha Vezenkov, who they have had the draft rights for since 2022, and Chris Duarte, who they acquired via trade from the Indiana Pacers.
The Kings could end free agency without touching another team’s player, or as recent rumors suggest, they could soon poach a veteran forward from a division rival.
Reports suggest the Sacramento Kings are interested in Torrey Craig.
Michael Sotto (via HoopsHype) reported that Torrey Craig is receiving interest from multiple teams, most notably the Detroit Pistons and the Sacramento Kings.
Torrey Craig, a 32-year-old forward, has spent six years in the NBA with four different teams. Craig is coming off a career-best season with the Phoenix Suns, averaging 7.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 0.6 steals per game with 45/39/71 shooting splits.
The 6’7″ small forward has a 7’0″ wingspan, making him a versatile defender as he can guard the 1-4. Coming off career-highs in three-point percentage, assists, points, and rebounds, Craig also showed his versatility on the offensive end of the court.
After re-negotiating Domantas Sabonis’ contract, the Sacramento Kings weakened their cap space. Torrey Craig made $5 million last season and should expect around the same amount, which the Kings can afford.
How would Torrey Craig fit in Sacramento?
Torrey Craig is a valuable player on both ends of the court, as he has developed into an impressive 3-and-D player. The Sacramento Kings went into free agency with question marks around their wing depth, but now, do they need Torrey Craig?
With the Kings’ depth chart after the first weekend of free agency, Sacramento is looking at a Harrison Barnes, Keegan Murray, Chris Duarte, Sasha Vezenkov, and Trey Lyles forward group. Unless Mike Brown wants to run a 12-man rotation, Torrey Craig to the Kings is unlikely.
Without the Chris Duarte trade, this signing would seem more likely, but Duarte adds more offensive versatility than Torrey Craig, giving Sacramento no reason to pursue Craig.
If the Kings keep pursuing Craig and land him, Sacramento fans should be excited about acquiring a two-way player like Torrey Craig. But, this hypothetical signing would raise concerns about the Kings 2023-24 depth chart.
