Despite having less than zero salary cap to maneuver in, the Sacramento Kings have to make some free agency moves. That means trying to retain at least one of their upcoming free agents. And it's looking more and more likely that person will be Precious Achiuwa, one of league's top defenders.
Several games into the 2025-2026 season, it became wildly obvious that the Kings were having huge problems on defense. To be fair, this seemed surprising to mostly the Kings coaching staff and front office. Pretty much everyone on the outside of the franchise saw this problem coming a mile away.
To bolster their defense as quickly as possible, the Kings signed Achiuwa to a one-year veteran minimum contract. The biggest surprise in this situation was the fact that the season was seven games deep and a player like Achiuwa was still available. That shouldn't be happening.
Achiuwa's impact was immediate, but even a defender of his caliber can only do so much. He found a connection with the Kings' three rookies, Maxime Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell, and Nique Clifford. The so-called Beam Boys played well together. Now, the Kings just have to keep them together.
Sacramento needs Achiuwa on the roster in the long term
With Achiuwa's contract complete, he is about to become a free agent, and is unlikely to re-sign for another veteran minimum. Keeping in mind that the Kings have massive salary cap issues, they are in a tough spot with their free agents. But new reports indicate the situation is improving.
"The word I'm hearing is it's very very likely that Precious Achiuwa will be back next season." @James_HamNBA on Precious Achiuwa and the Kings⬇️ pic.twitter.com/SmcrjdYJYT
— ESPN 1320 Sacramento (@ESPN1320) June 17, 2026
Not only is Achiuwa a priority for the Kings, they appear close to being able to make an offer to him that will keep him in Sacramento. Honestly, it won't take too much convincing as Achiuwa made it quite clear after the 2025-2026 season ended that he wanted to stay in Sactown with the Kings.
This is important for Sacramento. Achiuwa is a key defensive presence as well as becoming an integral part of the offense. He has a tight bond with the three soon-to-be sophomore stars, and the four of them combined will be the core for the Kings' current rebuild and important to its success.
Rumors and reports are most certainly not guarantees. Another team could pop up in free agency, then offer Achiuwa a wheelbarrow full of money to leave. If that happens, it would be unfortunate but understandable. Still, Achiuwa staying Sacramento is feeling more and more likely.
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