Keegan Murray's season has been defined by injuries. He's currently out with an ankle issue, one that is set to be reevaluated in a couple of weeks. For some reason, the Sacramento Kings haven't just shut him down for the few games left in the season, likely because they're trying to avoid a fine.
The reality is that Murray's 2025-2026 season has gone so terribly that it seems almost impossible. Everything got off to a terrible start when he sustained a finger injury that required surgery during the preseason. That kept him out for the first several weeks of the regular season.
When Murray finally made his big return, he only lasted a few games before an ankle injury knocked him out for several more weeks. If that's not enough, Keegan made yet another big return, only to be taken out yet again by another ankle injury. He's now off for at least two more weeks.
At this point, Murray has only played 23 games this season, the majority of which happened in November and December between his first two injuries. Still, the Kings plan on reevaluating him in to see if he's ready to return for the remainder of the season, albeit for no actual good reason.
Just let Murray get some rest
Keegan Murray isn't the only one with injury issues. There have been several players who have missed time. That includes De'Andre Hunter, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis who are all out for the remainder of 2025-2026. Sacramento needs to do the same with Murray.
Assuming he is even ready-ish to go in a couple of weeks, that would put his return date on or around the Kings' March 14th home game with the LA Clippers. Counting that outing, there are only 15 games left in the season by then. It makes no sense to risk another injury or making one worse.
The main reason to bring him back is avoid a fine from commissioner Adam Silver. He's on the warpath when it comes to tanking, and any hint of it will get a team fined. Shutting down a fourth player for the season might be enough to call down the wrath of Adam on Sacramento.
Considering how this season has gone for Murray, bringing him back could easily lead to another injury. Even more likely would be exacerbating a current issue. So far, these problems haven't been bad enough to prevent Murray from returning. The Kings may want to stop pushing their luck, though.