The Sacramento Kings are set to begin training camp. Sacramento's 2025-26 outlook is questionable, as the team could realistically compete but it also would not be surprising to see the Kings miss the postseason. Thinking about the long-term future may be their best option. Keeping Keegan Murray on the roster should be something they seriously consider, something Fred Katz and Zach Lowe recently discussed on The Zach Lowe Show.
"I'm going to go, yes for Keegan Murray, a deal gets done," Lowe predicted.
"I think he has some real leverage here in that Sacramento doesn't have young guys," Katz added. "I mean, Keegan Murray is their young guy. He's 25."
Murray arguably deserves a better opportunity with the Kings. Through three seasons in the NBA, his role has often been questioned. He is a starter, starting 231 of the 233 games he has played in. Additionally, Murray has averaged 32.5 minutes per outing.
However, with Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan on the roster, Murray does not always receive enough of an opportunity on the floor to make a significant impact. The Kings are also rumored to be interested in Jonathan Kuminga -- which is surprising since Kuminga and Murray play similar roles.
Perhaps Sacramento will consider moving on from Murray. There are many teams around the NBA who would surely love to give him the opportunity to be a star. With a Kuminga deal yet to come to fruition, however, it seems as if Murray will remain in Sacramento for the foreseeable future. Since he is already on the roster, now is the time for the Kings to realize how much talent and potential Murray can offer.
If they make that realization, then Sacramento will surely do whatever it takes to keep him around for the long-term future. Agreeing to a contract extension with Murray could emerge as a priority before the regular season begins. With training camp and the preseason up next, the Kings and Murray will have a few weeks to get something done.
Lowe and Katz both seem to see the vision. The question is whether or not the Kings see it. Of course, it remains to be seen if Keegan Murray even has serious interest in staying in Sacramento as well. If he wants to play for the Kings moving forward, one has to imagine the Kings will make him a contract extension offer.
This will be a situation for Kings fans to monitor ahead of the regular season.