The Kings are hoping for an upgrade at center, but they won’t pursue Orlando’s Nikola Vucevic when free agency starts June 30, according to James Ham of NBC Sports Bay Area.
Vucevic is in line for a huge raise after posting his best NBA season and his first All-Star appearance. The 28-year-old averaged 20.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.1 blocks in 80 games this year. Despite reports that Sacramento might be one of his free agent suitors, Ham states that he doesn’t fit the up-tempo approach that the Kings prefer.
That’s also true of fellow free agent big man Jonas Valanciunas, who opted out of his deal with the Grizzlies last week. He’ll be seeking a significant raise over the $17.6MM salary he bypassed.
Ham suggests the Kings might opt for a short-term solution, seeking a one- or two-year contract with the Knicks’ DeAndre Jordan or the Hawks’ Dewayne Dedmon. Jordan will turn 31 this summer and Dedmon is almost 30, so neither is viewed as a long-range option.
Sacramento also hasn’t ruled out the possibility of keeping Willie Cauley-Stein, as Ham notes the team is expected to make him a restricted free agent by issuing a qualifying offer before June 30. GM Vlade Divac said the front office still sees potential in the former No. 6 pick, but has been frustrated by his up-and-down performance.
“We would like to keep Willie in terms of his talent potential,” Divac said, “but he still needs to show us the consistency that we are looking for. We are talking.”
If the SacTown Ballers don’t want Willie Cauley Stein he’d look pretty great in Philly backing up Joel.
He won’t take that min deal
Also would look good in Minnesota, playing defense for KAT
When did WCS ever play defense ??
In college.
I would just extend Willie then. No need to reinvent the wheel. He puts up decent numbers for a starting center and he has the most upside of any center available.
why not go back and Sign Cousins on a one year “prove it” deal? he loves the city apperently
Do you ever watch basketball ? Boogie is the biggest cancer in the NBA.
Clown comment alert!!! DMC is one of the nicest guys to ever play in the league… check all his charity work & what he does for the community… then you wouldn’t post ignorant comments!
No reason to restate the history – neither Sacramento and Cousins will be entertaining a reunion.
What basketball have you been watching?
Honestly
I can’t see Dedmon or Jordan as a fit. They like passing as well as up-tempo. Neither fits that. That was some of the issues with WCS. I mean Bjelica was good but he also isn’t made for running. Honestly you have to wonder if a forward at that spot makes more sense. Maybe playing Bagley at center. That and bringing in Jordan Bell or Aminu to play the 4.