The Sacramento Kings have reportedly made Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis untouchable in trade talks involving Golden State Warriors wantaway forward Jonathan Kuminga this summer, per Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee.
The 24-year-old forward is eligible to sign a new extension, as he’s entering the final year of his Sacramento Kings contract next season, where he’ll earn roughly $11.1 million. According to The Athletic’s John Hollinger, Murray could be in for a huge payday if he continues his upward trajectory.
“This one feels pretty straightforward, and I would guess is one of the most likely to end in a deal. Murray is older than most of his 2022 classmates (25 years old), which is helpful because he pretty much is what he is at this point: a starting-caliber forward who is a relatively good defender, can make open shots and provide some secondary scoring,” Hollinger wrote.
“Something around $25 million a year for four years is the ballpark for this type of player these days, and I’d expect Murray’s next deal to land in that range. The other reason to think this is how it plays out is that the Kings will have more serious luxury-tax concerns in 2026 if this deal pushes into the upper 20s in millions annually,” he added.
Sacramento Kings News: Keegan Murray listed as one of the players with “most to prove” next season
According to Will Zimmerle of SI, Keegan Murray is one of the three Sacramento Kings players with the most to prove this upcoming season, especially since he’ll be playing for his next contract.
“Murray was drafted as a high-upside offensive player, but over the last two seasons, he has grown tremendously on defense. That leaves him in limbo, unsure of which role he fits into best,” Zimmerle wrote about Murray.
“He could turn into one of the best 3&D players in the league if he gets his three-point percentage back up, or he could blossom into the offensive star that many thought he could be when he was drafted. Either way, this will be an extremely telling year for the young wing that could shape how the Kings view his outlook and long-term fit going forward,” he added.
