Kings news: Keegan Murray shut down, off-season deals finalized
By Logan Struck
The Sacramento Kings are at the end of a busy off-season, highlighted by many signings and trades that kept fans on their toes. While the 2023 NBA off-season has been jam-packed with blockbuster trades, the Kings have kept their roster relatively similar to last season’s.
With a busy draft night that featured two trades for Sacramento, the signing of the reigning EuroLeague MVP, and the re-signing of multiple free agents, Kings GM Monte McNair has done an exceptional job of keeping the team together but still making slight improvements.
Here are a few pieces of news that Sacramento Kings fans might enjoy while the off-season heat is cooling off:
Keegan Murray has played his last Summer League game
After all of these offseason moves, we have moved into the NBA Summer League, where we have seen the emergence of rising star Keegan Murray. The 22-year-old forward had a 29-point outing and followed it up with an outstanding 41-point performance. Keegan Murray was undoubtedly the best player on the court throughout the California Classic Summer League.
Many fans were worried about Keegan Murray risking injury while playing in the Summer League, but the decision to have him play will pay off for Sacramento in the long run. His development showed tremendously in those two games while allowing him to be a leader for those young players around him.
Ultimately, Keegan Murray’s time in the Summer League has come to an end, as Kings Summer League head coach Luke Loucks has announced.
Coach Loucks confirms tonight was Keegan Murray's last Summer League game.
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) July 6, 2023
Keegan Murray will continue to travel with the team but will lead from off the court. The absence of Murray will allow other players to step up, as we expect to see more volume from Kessler Edwards and Colby Jones.
The Sacramento Kings’ Chris Duarte trade is finalized
Last week, it was reported that the Sacramento Kings were acquiring Chris Duarte from the Indiana Pacers. Today the trade details have come out, and the deal is being finalized.
Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that the Kings are sending two second-round picks, 2028 (via Dallas) and 2030, to Indiana in exchange for Duarte.
This trade has turned out to be a steal for Sacramento, as it is a low-risk, high-reward situation. Chris Duarte, 26, fell out of the Pacers’ rotation, even after a solid rookie season averaging 13.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game on 43/37/80 shooting splits.
This trade reunites Duarte with his former Pacers teammate Domantas Sabonis, bringing their connection from Indiana to Sacramento as he looks to fit into the Kings’ fast-paced offense.
Richaun Holmes’ trade to the Dallas Mavericks is finalized
As part of the Sacramento Kings’ busy draft night, they sent Richaun Holmes and the 24th overall pick to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for cash considerations.
This trade initially excited Kings fans, as they expected the freed-up cap space to be used to sign a big-name free agent. Needless to say, many fans were disappointed as all of the big names went off the board.
With the trade now finalized, Sacramento says their goodbyes to Richaun Holmes. We wish him the best in Dallas, as we know how valuable he can be when given the opportunity. The Dallas Mavericks fill a desired need in their lineup with a lack of big-man depth.
