4 Kings who definitely won't be back, 3 who shouldn't return next season

Shouldn’t return: Chris Duarte

The Pacers selected Duarte in the lottery in 2021, but things did not work out in Indiana. Sacramento saw an opportunity to buy low on a young talent and took it. They gave up two second-round draft picks that were five-plus years into the future to land the 6’6 wing. Duarte was an older prospect in the draft, but it was a low-risk swing with upside.

Unfortunately, things got worse in Sacramento. He averaged just 3.9 points and 1.8 rebounds in 12.2 minutes per game. It was virtually career lows across the board for Duarte as he shot just 38.1 percent from the field.

The 26-year-old is under contract at $5.9 million next season before becoming a restricted free agent in the summer of 2025. It is a reasonable deal, but Duarte is unlikely to be in the rotation. If he is, it will be for limited minutes and production.

The Sacramento Kings guaranteed his contract but should explore his trade market. They do not want to dump his salary completely, but maybe some team would take a shot on his upside for a second-round pick. Things are not going to work with the Kings, but Duarte is just entering his prime and may find a larger role elsewhere.