Speaking to Shams Charania of The Athletic (video link), Kings center Richaun Holmes said he’s excited to enter free agency this summer, since he’s “never really been in a position like this before.”
The last time Holmes was a free agent, he had just spent a year as a backup in Phoenix. This time around, he’s coming off a full season as a starter, having averaged 14.2 PPG and 8.3 RPG in 61 games (29.2 MPG) with Sacramento.
“I could fit anywhere,” Holmes told Charania. “The way I play, what I bring, any team is going to need that. Especially playoff teams. That’s something that’s going to be sought after.”
Holmes added that the best piece of advice he has received entering free agency is to do what’s best for him and his family. It remains to be seen whether that will result in a new deal with the Kings, who won’t have the ability to offer him a starting salary worth more than about $10-11MM unless they can create some cap room.
Here’s more from around the Pacific:
- League sources tell Jordan Schultz of ESPN (Twitter link) that Lakers point guard Dennis Schröder and forward Kyle Kuzma “feuded” throughout the 2020/21 season, with things worsening during the playoffs. Schröder is an unrestricted free agent and Kuzma is a trade candidate, so it’s possible that one or both players could join a new team this offseason.
- UConn shooting guard James Bouknight, who could be an option for the Warriors if they keep the No. 7 pick, had a “great” workout with Golden State on Monday, tweets David Borges of Hearst Connecticut Media. Bouknight ranks eighth on ESPN’s big board of 2021 prospects.
- The acquisition of Chris Paul and the continued development of Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Mikal Bridges were major factors in the Suns becoming a legitimate title contender, but head coach Monty Williams‘ role in the team’s improvement shouldn’t be overlooked, writes Paolo Uggetti of The Ringer.
When Holmes says “especially playoff teams” he means not Kings if at all possible.
You mean you don’t see the Kings competing for home court this coming season?
The kings getting home court is about as likely as Simmons winning the 3 pt shootout
I worry that the Kings won’t qualify for visiting court
The Lakers would be much better of without both Schroder and Kuzma.
The Lakers would also be better off without a cap, but that’s just not reality.
Letting Schroder walk and trading Kuzma is realistic, though. I’m not saying Kuzma would get a significant return alone, but it’s certainly possible he could be moved.
They were way better off without Lebron and AD.
Interesting that you say they’d be better without them but don’t give an example of who would replace those guys to actually make the team “better”
Please get rid of Kuz! Actually, I’m not a big Dennis fan, but I know because of cap issues, they need to resign him. I will continue to pray for a S&T!!!
Kuzma age 25 only averaging a career like 12 Pts pg says “I’m still capable of averaging 25 a game and being an nba all star!” No wonder Dennis hates him.
Schroder and Kuzma do have something in common, though…they both overestimate their own talent and value.
As do 95% of NBA players
I’m sick of kuzma talking.. he had a shot when ad and Lebron went down and he averaged 13.5 pts with them down.. at this point need to get rid of him before his value goes lower..he will never average 25 pts a game unless he’s shooting 40 times per game
the problem for the lakers is his value right now will bring them a bench player and no more. They will first try to package him for a starter with another player. If that fails they better hope a GM will be in love with Kuzma.
Oubre is the exact same thing lol what is with these mids guys who have never shown they can actually be great for an extended time saying they can avg 25 lmaooo
They have the talent but not the drive. Oubre watched on the sidelines as Curry was running around the court trying to free himself from the defense. Oubre stood there at the 3 pt line and only occasionally set screens or move around the court.
How many shots do you think anyone else is putting up with Lebron and AD leading your squad. Kuzma has been the definition of a perfect role player who not only understands his situation, but has taken it in stride
That’s comical.
Perfect role player? Playing poor, lazy defense and consistently taking bad shots is far from perfect. Kuzma got a lot of undeserved hype early in his career and he ate it up. He is often a liability on the court and his value declines every season.
Bonercats- Indeed he has taken a role that not many would be too happy with and done pretty damn well with it – Unless you watch the Lakers every game you will not understand this by just looking at stats
Easy target to hate on tho as his mentals seem to come and go week to week with the hair colors
Id buy low if I was a rebuilding team and give him some air-space to see where it goes – He would look good in Houston Imo
This news may help his rep, as it did not look like ANY teammates were giving him a break. But I’m sure an insider already knew.
His variability could help him be the scorer he wants to be, if teammates can stand it.
Holmes was almost out of the league until the kings signed him on a minimum.. kings saved his career.. he would not be the same player on a good team
He is a solid role-player. Would be a good pickup for either Los Angeles team.
If Bouknight is taken at #7, then it’s safe to say it’s top 6 draft. Measurables / athleticism are certainly there, but anyone who’s seen him play 5-on-5 (with teammates that might want the ball once in awhile, and expect some defensive effort) can’t be too impressed. That said, if Curry and KT want to shoot less, he might be their guy. At #14, it might be a better risk/reward choice.