The Sacramento Kings disappointed this season. They snapped their 16-year playoff drought in 2023 and many expected them to take another step forward. Instead, the Kings won two fewer regular season games and were knocked out by the Pelicans in the Play-In Tournament. It was not all bad, but Sacramento certainly faces questions heading into the offseason.
There have already been rumors (subscription required) about the Kings falling back into the habits that kept them out of the playoffs for so long. Sacramento has two All-Stars and talent around them. They should improve their roster this summer to compete in the loaded Western Conference.
There will be changes this offseason. The Kings have four players headed to free agency and will explore the trade market. Who will be gone before the start of the 2024-25 season? Here is a look at the most likely candidates.
Won’t be back: JaVale McGee
The Kings signed McGee to a one-year minimum contract before the season after he was waived by the Mavericks. He has won three championships in his 16-year NBA career, but the 36-year-old is certainly past his prime. Sacramento hoped he could give them some quality backup minutes, but things did not go as planned.
McGee averaged a career-low 4.0 points and 0.4 blocks in just 7.4 minutes per game. He fell out of the rotation in late December and played just spot minutes down the stretch. It is fair to wonder how much he has left. McGee has largely been out of the rotation for two straight years and is already among the league’s oldest players.
He was known as a strong rim protector and finisher inside throughout his career, but those skills have faded. McGee has issues making an impact on both ends of the floor and likely struggles to finding a role for the 2024-25 season.
The Sacramento Kings will move on from JaVale McGee, but he is not the only King who will be searching for a new home this summer.