Less than a week before the start of the 2025-26 regular season, the Sacramento Kings made a bold commitment to Keegan Murray by signing him to a five-year, $140 million contract extension. Roughly one month later, it's become clear that it was about more than avoiding a costly period of restricted free agency.
As the Kings search for answers amidst a 3-11 start to the season, the front office refuses to even consider the possibility of trading Murray.
Murray has yet to make his 2025-26 debut after undergoing surgery to repair a UCL tear in his left thumb. The timing of the injury created an alarming timeline for a potential return, but the franchise remains committed to exploring his long-term fit within its vision.
According to Matt Moore of FanSided, the Kings have made it clear that Murray will be off limits in any potential trade conversations that arise in 2025-26.
"Keegan Murray is not eligible to be traded after his extension this fall, but even if he were, league sources have adamantly said he’s off limits."
Sacramento's commitment to Murray's presence and development is concrete, as the former top-five draft pick remains a cornerstone in the front office's mind.
Kings refuse to trade Keegan Murray, commit to him as cornerstone
Murray, 25, has emerged as arguably the best defensive player on the Kings' roster. He's capable of matching up against players at multiple positions, switching against the pick and roll, and rotating onto shooters, slashers, and even post scorers with fluidity.
Murray's defensive versatility was on firm display in 2024-25, when the three players he spent the most minutes defending were Anthony Edwards, LeBron James, and Lauri Markkanen—remarkably different scorers and playmakers in terms of size, skill set, and strategy.
The list of players Murray spent at least 60.0 partial possessions defending expands to include guards, forwards, and bigs of the highest order. That includes Devin Booker, Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kawhi Leonard, Naz Reid, and Jayson Tatum.
With the willingness and ability to take on defensive challenges that most players simply can't, Murray has become an invaluable contributor to the Kings.
Individually, the former Iowa Hawkeyes star averaged 12.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 blocks, 0.8 steals, and 2.0 three-point field goals made per game. With value in virtually ever phase, Murray is a rare Sacramento player who offers quality on both ends of the floor.
With untapped potential to explore and an injury that shouldn't hinder his long-term development, committing to Murray as an asset beyond the 2025-26 season should surprise no one.
It's also worth noting that the Kings were 2.5 points per 100 possessions better with Murray on the court than without him in 2024-25. They also allowed 113.4 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor last season, and are giving up an abhorrent 120.4 without him in 2025-26.
As the defensive anchor and versatile offensive contributor the Kings so clearly need, Murray's future appears to be clear as the franchise commits to his long-term presence and development.