The Sacramento Kings are investing in their future.
On the heels of signing future Hall of Fame guard Russell Westbrook, the Kings have given forward Keegan Murray a five-year contract extension, from his rookie deal, worth $140 million.
It was pivotal for the Kings and Murray to secure this contract before Monday’s 11:59 p.m. ET. He became eligible for his rookie extension after he completed his third season in the league, and the deadline would be right before the first game of the season.
Had both parties not agreed to an extension, it would have ultimately sent Murray into restricted free agency.
Now, with a shiny new extension, he’ll look to build upon a season where he started off slow, but then improved in the second half of the season.
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Mainly a 3-point shooting specialist, Murray shot 34% from beyond the arc last season, after shooting 41% and 35% in his first two seasons, respectively.
But the need for a sharpshooter in Sacramento is paramount. After De’Aaron Fox was traded last season in February, Murray stepped up in a major way, averaging 13 points per game, while shooting 37% from 3 – three points higher than his season-long total.
Per ESPN, Murray is one of three players to have registered 500 3-pointers, 150 blocks and 150 steals. The other two are Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards and NBA Champion Derrick White.
Currently, Murray is battling with a UCL tear and will have to miss at least the first 10 games of the season.
For most of his career, Murray has been as durable as can be. He never missed more than six games in his three seasons in the NBA, so having to miss at least the first 10 games of the season is uncharted territory for the former fifth overall pick out of Iowa.
To start the season, Murray was projected to be the starting power forward for Sacramento, with All-Stars Demar DeRozan and Zach LaVine starting next to him.
However, with the current injury, DeRozan will slot in as the power forward, while LaVine moves to small forward, and Keon Ellis takes over the shooting guard position.
Murray’s contract extension secures him as a King until the 2030-31 season.
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