With general manager Monte McNair entering the final year of his three-year contract, it’s widely assumed the Kings are in a playoffs-or-bust mode. McNair insists that’s not necessarily the case, Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee writes.
“There’s no mandate,” McNair said. “We’ve been very clear what our goal is. We want to win. We want to make the playoffs and we want to stay there, but there’s no mandate to do so. My job is to build, as I’ve said, the best team that’s going to take the court this year and for years to come.”
We have more from the Pacific Division:
- In the same story, McNair shrugged off criticism for trading his early second-round pick to Dallas for two future second-rounders. Sacramento has nine guaranteed contracts on its books, with lottery pick Keegan Murray soon to be the 10th. McNair said he wanted to keep his options open regarding the 15-man roster instead of locking into a high second-round pick. “For us, as we go into draft night and into free agency, we’re really managing both our roster and our roster spots,” McNair said. “We’ve got a bunch of guaranteed contracts already. We’re adding one more (Murray) very quickly, and so that’s one thing, opening up another roster spot as we go into free agency, and we have a lot of things on the table.”
- The Kings passed on Jaden Ivey in the lottery as De’Aaron Fox‘s backcourt partner. So which guards might they pursue in free agency? James Ham of The Kings Beat explores 10 potential options, including Gary Harris, Victor Oladipo and Bruce Brown.
- Warriors center Kevon Looney is likely to re-sign with the defending champion, according to a report. Todd Ramasar, Looney’s agent, discussed his free agent pitch to other suitors Monday on 95.7 The Game’s “Willard & Dibs” (hat tip to Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area). “I talk about how he’s been to five Finals and he’s only 26 years old,” Ramasar said. “He’s won three rings, he’s got a great pedigree. And the fact that he played 104 games this season.”
It must be depressing to be a Kings fan.
Our only hope is a new owner.
I like when we pass in talent like luka or Ivey because they refuse to play for us. Should just draft the next guy and make him pull an Eli and ruin his image
It must be… but, with a few joyful moments like getting rid of Haliburton and not picking Ivey!
There are several teams who could use Looney at the 5, and he took a big discount last time. I want him to get paid b/c he deserves it, but he fits so well on that team. I think it says a lot about him if he stays again b/c he proved he was healthy again, and I think he could get a good deal out there
Malik Monk!!!
Fox and Monk played college ball together and were great. Monk would be keen to link back up with him, Fox would be happy his mate is coming over. Not to expensive and a great fit for the timeline of what they have.
I could see that, since they need shooting after moving Hield, and even Haliburton, although they do still have Holiday and Divencienzo, unless they’re FAs (didnt look). They need to keep Lamb, in my opinion, or at least get another 3 and D wing option behind Barnes
Divicenzo is a FA Agent and doesn’t want to come back
If the Kings wanted to focus on building a win-now team, Keegan was he right choice. He can slot right into the starting line-up, and guard is more readily available in the league and easier to fill than a forward with 3-pt range.
Oladipo would be the first choice if they don’t retain White Donte. Harris or retaining Lamb would be the back-up plan via the FA route.
I’d rather start Davion or DDV at SG than any of those options
I keep hearing “playoffs or bust” but the kings are clearly the worst team in the best division in basketball. Five teams from one division don’t make the playoffs. There’s just no chance.