The Sacramento Kings have made 2023 No. 4 pick Keegan Murray untouchable in trade talks, The Athletic insider Sam Amick tells Sactown Sports 1140.
“…When you have a young player… You run into these scenarios where you gotta choose. Like, are you all in to the point that this veteran player is going to move the needle enough that you justify trading that young player or do you want to keep growing with the guy that you’re pretty high on.
“For the Kings right now, my understanding is they’re taking a very, very hard stance on Keegan; that he’s not going anywhere.”
Kings’ Keegan Murray ‘Not Going Anywhere’
After two seasons, it’s difficult to determine what the Kings have in Murray.
He’s demonstrated star potential on offense, scoring at least 20 points in 31 games. This includes a 47-point outburst last December, as Murray hit 12 straight 3-pointers (an NBA record) in a 21-point win over the Utah Jazz. To that point, if the Jazz are pushing for Murray to be part of their return for Lauri Markkanen, it’s likely with that game in mind.
Indeed, as an exceptional outside shooter who’s growing confident in scoring off-the-dribble, his skillset is reminiscent of Markkanen’s. Like Markkanen, he’s also an example of nonlinear development. In 2023-24, Murray shot just 35.8 percent from 3 after nailing 41.1 percent of his outside attempts as a rookie.
The biggest chances appeared in his ability to knock down 3s midway through or late in the shot clock. He also was less effective against tight defense. In 2022-23, Murray made 41.7 percent of his 3s with 15-17 seconds left on the shot clock. He made 50.0 percent of his long-range attempts with 4-7 seconds remaining on the shot clock. When defenders were within 2-4 feet of him, he hit 38.9 percent of his 3-point attempts.
Yet, he only converted 34.2 percent of his 3-point attempts with 15-17 seconds remaining on the shot clock and 29.7 percent of his 3s with 4-7 seconds left. When defenders were within 2-4 feet of him, he made just 26.5 percent of his 3s.
If The Focus Isn’t Winning Now, It’s A Waste
As a 3-point specialist, the variation in Murray’s efficiency is concerning and significant. Sure, he’s plenty young enough to keep growing. His rookie campaign was impressive and what’s expected of a top-five pick.
The problem is that the Kings aren’t rebuilding anymore, they’re competing for championships. They need players they know will help them win now. To that point, Murray undeniably improves their perimeter defense. However, the jury is still out on whether he’s holding back the offense or helping it.
Meanwhile, Sacramento has the opportunity to land several established talents. Players that De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis can let go to work without worrying how they’ll produce. If the goal isn’t to make sure they have a shot of winning the NBA Finals, why commit $349 million to that duo alone?
Why not just trade Fox and Sabonis while their value is at its highest if they’re not going all out to win? It’s similar to the Los Angeles Lakers’ situation with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who aren’t in LA just to say they made the playoffs. To that point, while Austin Reaves is skilled and popular, James would likely prefer a bonafide third star joins him on his last ride.
The Lakers haven’t truly maximized their roster around their two stars. They’re now facing more heat than ever because of it. The Kings find themselves in that same boat. Too hesitant to make life easier for their two stars and too cheap to foot a bill for a championship-contender.
It’s almost as if the Boston Celtics didn’t win a championship with five handsomely paid All-Star-caliber talents.
Who Should SAC Trade For?
All of Sacramento’s supposed splash trade targets —Markkanen, DeMar DeRozan, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, and Zach LaVine —are a mixed bag defensively. Only Markkanen, Ingram, and LaVine have made at least 36 percent of their career 3s. To compare, Kuzma only has two seasons shooting above 36 percent from 3. DeRozan has never made at least 36 percent of his 3s.
Nonetheless, they’ve all averaged at least 20 points per game over the last two seasons. Notably, DeRozan and LaVine are the only members of the quintet with a career scoring average of at least 20.0 points per game.
In a vacuum, LaVine the most feasible trade target.
He’s arguably more capable of playing off of Fox and Sabonis than everyone. Because of his own playmaking ability, they can play off of him as well. Indeed, this is big difference between he and Markkanen, who struggles as a facilitator. There’s also no doubt that he has the lowest price tag. In fact, they likely could acquire LaVine without giving up Murray.
This is primarily to LaVine’s hefty salary. Yet, with DeRozan and Ingram seeking lucrative contracts, the Kings may not be in a better position with them. Now on the final year of his deal, Markkanen may demand a max contract extension.
Kuzma is on an affordable and de-escalating contract. Nonetheless, Sacramento will have to trade some of their limited assets to acquire him, potentially even Murray.
