A Royal Pain
Fansided

1 Overpaid and 2 underpaid Kings players heading into next season

By Elaine Blum

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 18: Malik Monk #0 of the Sacramento Kings celebrates with Terence Davis #3 during the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 18, 2023 in Washington, DC. 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 License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 18: Malik Monk #0 of the Sacramento Kings celebrates with Terence Davis #3 during the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 18, 2023 in Washington, DC. 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 License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Kessler Edwards, Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings, Kessler Edwards (Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports) /

Overpaid player #1: Kessler Edwards

The Kings are not overpaying many of their players. At the very top of the roster, De’Aaron Fox’s and Domantas Sabonis’ salaries for next season are right on track with those of other All-Star guards and centers of their caliber.

Kessler Edwards might just be the only Kings player who is overpaid, and even then, the overpay is very small. This summer, the Kings picked up his $1.9 million team option. In NBA terms, that is not a lot of money, but the Kings could have declined his team option and signed him to a new, cheaper deal in free agency to save some money.

Yes, Edwards is still young and can still grow into a solid NBA role player, but this season, it will be difficult for him to even crack the main rotation. Behind the starting five, Davion Mitchell, Malik Monk, Trey Lyles, and Sasha Vezenkov, there are not many spare minutes to come by, especially now that the Kings will be the hunted and not the hunters anymore. Besides, Chris Duarte will be competing for pretty much the same minutes.

While it is good for the Kings to have young wing depth, a player who will most likely be near the end of the bench is not really worth more than the minimum salary. After the Kings traded Richaun Holmes to clear cap space, it was somewhat surprising to see them make this deal when a cheaper option could have been available.

Of course, things can change quickly. All it takes is an unfortunate injury that pushes Edwards into the rotation, and suddenly, he puts together a great season that makes this deal look like a steal instead.

Next. 3 Kings players that could shock the world this season. dark

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