Sacramento Kings

In a battle of potential Rookie of the Year candidates, the Sacramento Kings earned a 103-96 win over the Indiana Pacers in Sunday's summer league battle in Las Vegas.

The game featured two of the top six picks from the 2022 NBA draft in Keegan Murray and Bennedict Mathurin, with both players having scored at least 20 points in their previous game. The points didn't come as easy in this one for Mathurin, however, as he scored 15 points on 6-of-16 shooting.

Murray was the better player Sunday with 23 points and three assists, including a strong fourth quarter to help the Kings pull out the win.

Efficiency was an issue as he finished 4-of-12 from three, but Murray showcased a lot of upside:

Keegan Murray with his 3rd triple of the game 👌

Kings (+165 ML) 📈 pic.twitter.com/DoDmxnR3UT

— NBABet (@nbabet) July 10, 2022

Keegan Murray. BUCKET.

Pacers-Kings is going down to the wire on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/ekn9kWxjvi

— NBA (@NBA) July 10, 2022

Several people had high praise for the forward:

Keegan Murray is going to be really good. #Kings

— Charlie Walter (@CharlieWalterTV) July 10, 2022

Keegan Murray has been IMPRESSIVE

— Joke 🃏 (@Jokeeee_) July 10, 2022

Seth Greenberg on the ESPN broadcast said he talked to Michigan State coach Tom Izzo about Keegan Murray after they played Iowa. Izzo said to him: “Murray was one of the toughest matchups he’s had to prepare for in the last few years because he’s kind of like a silent assassin.”

— Cameron Salerno (@cameronsalerno1) July 10, 2022

Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell about rookie Keegan Murray: “Man I love him. Even through the big moments like last game when he played Paolo… he stayed true to himself. He played like himself throughout the whole game. That’s what I love about him.”

— Cameron Salerno (@cameronsalerno1) July 10, 2022

Sacramento Kings GM Monte McNair on the ESPN broadcast after watching Keegan Murray hit a step back three: “That guy is pretty special.”

— Cameron Salerno (@cameronsalerno1) July 10, 2022

Another sneaky 20 point game for Keegan Murray. He might lead the league in those next season.

— Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) July 10, 2022

Neemias Queta also impressed for the Kings with four blocks, while Sean McDermott scored 18 on 7-of-9 from the floor.

Mathurin had a rough shooting day, although he showed a broad skill set offensively:

Bennedict Mathurin throws up the lob to Isaiah Jackson 💥

(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/459cil2Z3r

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 10, 2022

Bennedict Mathurin. Splash. 💦

Pacers-Kings is live now on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/A4XDl6iUS2

— NBA (@NBA) July 10, 2022

That's tough, Benn Mathurin 💪💪💪 pic.twitter.com/IiljVBj0dW

— NBA (@NBA) July 10, 2022

It was enough to get people talking:

Bennedict Mathurin is good at basketball.

— 8 Points, 9 Seconds (@8pts9secs) July 10, 2022

https://twitter.com/RodneyRikai/status/1546214324133212160

Bennedict Mathurin showing off the athleticism with an and-one dunk. Looking like a top draft pick. #Pacers

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) July 10, 2022

There was still a lot left to be desired between the poor shooting and finishing minus-17 on the court.

Players on both teams are looking to earn final roster spots before the start of the 2022-23 season, and every performance matters in the eyes of the coaches as they determine who can help the squad.

Most eyes are still on the star youngsters, though, and it's clear Murray and Mathurin both have a lot of potential as they enter their first seasons in the NBA.

The Pacers will return to action Tuesday against Jaden Ivey and the Detroit Pistons. The Kings will face Chet Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday.

The Sacramento Kings impressed in their California Classic opener, defeating the Golden State Warriors 86-68 at Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday night.

Kings rookie Keegan Murray, in particular, was dominant, finishing with 26 points and eight rebounds in just over 28 minutes. He made 10 of 14 shots from the floor and four of five shots from deep.

The 21-year-old received plenty of praise on social media for his performance, and many can't wait to see what else he can do this summer.

Young fella hooping! Like his game https://t.co/ZISlRMe3iu

— Desmond Bane (@DBane0625) July 3, 2022

The Kings will have a long way to go next season, but Keegan Murray has all the tools to make an impact right away.

— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) July 3, 2022

Keegan Murray too good for summer league

— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) July 3, 2022

Keegan Murray is putting on quite a show in his pro debut. It’s only one Summer League game, but you can see how he’s an effortless scorer, knock-down shooter and just a skilled overall player.

— Alex Kramers (@alexkramers) July 3, 2022

Keegan Murray is good.#Analysis

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 3, 2022

Keegan Murray having an all time Summer League debut. And doing it in Keegan Murray fashion — scoring in every possible way w/ great efficiency and without dominating the ball

— Draft Dummies (@DraftDummies) July 3, 2022

https://twitter.com/jakeweingarten/status/1543400498312658947

Kings rookie Keegan Murray has this crowd buzzing a little bit. He has 26 points in 24 minutes on 10-of-13 shooting from the field and 4-of-5 shooting from 3-point range. Quite a debut for the 21-year-old forward from Iowa.

— Jason Anderson (@JandersonSacBee) July 3, 2022

Keegan Murray will be in this league for a long time

— “The Standard” (@t_billygoat) July 3, 2022

The Kings selected Murray with the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft out of Iowa, and he was considered one of the best forwards in this year's class. Based on his summer league debut, it's clear Sacramento has found a franchise player to build around for the future.

Sacramento's 2021 second-round pick, Neemias Queta, also had a solid showing, finishing with 12 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.

Warriors forward Gui Santos was also impressive in his summer league debut, finishing with 23 points, six rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block in a little more than 25 minutes. He made seven of 13 shots from the floor and one of four shots from deep.

Santos was praised for going toe-to-toe with Murray.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1543409495153541120

The Warriors took Gui Santos 55th overall this past draft. Initial plan has been to stash him next season, maybe in Santa Cruz or elsewhere. Looked fluid and skilled offensively in his summer league debut. Here are some of his 20 points in first three quarters. pic.twitter.com/DucZ5K7o3v

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) July 3, 2022

https://twitter.com/BrandoStarkey/status/1543385257520406529

Yes, it's the California Classic
Yes, it's Summer League hoops
But 20-year-old Gui Santos - the youngest of the Warriors tonight - has 20 points in 19 minutes.

Kings 50, Warriors 44, 5:25 left in Q2

— Monte Poole (@MontePooleNBCS) July 3, 2022

Gui Santos, Golden State's 55th pick in last week's draft and a 6-8 forward from the Novo Basquete Brasil league, is shining so far for the Warriors' summer league team here at the California Classic: 4 for 6 with 11 points and five rebounds midway through the second quarter.

— Janie McCauley (@JanieMcCAP) July 3, 2022

Gui Santos is the Brazilian Luka.

— rurouni mod (@rurounimod) July 2, 2022

Teams already making panic trades after watching one quarter of Gui Santos.

— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) July 3, 2022

Gui Santos trying to impress Stephen Curry. He wants that roster spot. pic.twitter.com/lpFameLkox

— 𝐙𝐨 🌶️🔥 (@ZoSpicyDubs) July 3, 2022

https://twitter.com/RingzSeason22/status/1543388681419259904

The Warriors selected Santos with the 55th overall pick in the 2022 draft out of Brazil.

It's unclear if the Dubs will add Santos to their NBA roster for the 2022-23 campaign, but he has certainly made his presence felt early. Even if he doesn't make the big club this year, he could at some point in the future.

Payton Willis, who went undrafted out of Minnesota, also had a solid game for the Warriors, finishing with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal.

Kevin Huerter's time with the Atlanta Hawks has come to an end.

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Hawks will trade Huerter to the Sacramento Kings for Justin Holiday, Maurice Harkless and a future first-round pick.

According to Wojnarowski, the draft pick going to Atlanta is lottery-protected in 2024, top-12-protected in 2025 and top-10-protected in 2026.

The trade saves the Hawks some money. Huerter, whose four-year, $65 million contract extension signed in October kicks in next season, is owed $14.5 million in 2022-23.

Holiday and Harkless, who are both on expiring contracts, will earn a combined $10.9 million. The Hawks also recoup a first-round pick after they traded first-rounders in 2023, 2025 and 2027, plus a pick swap in 2026, to acquire Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs.

Murray has two seasons remaining on his contract. The 25-year-old is eligible to sign an extension, but it's unclear if he's looking to get a deal done quickly.

Prior to the trade, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on The Hoop Collective podcast (h/t Sports Illustrated's Zach Dimmitt) that Murray and his agent, Rich Paul, "made it known" he wouldn't extend this summer and "probably not" next summer because his current deal limits how much of a raise he can get in a new contract.

Holiday can replace some of the three-point shooting Huerter brought to Atlanta's offense. He has a 36.5 career success rate from behind the arc.

Harkless is a decent role player who gives Hawks head coach Nate McMillan more depth. He averaged 4.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in 47 appearances with the Kings in 2021-22.

As the Kings look to end their long playoff drought, Huerter can help improve their offense. They ranked 16th in points per game (110.3) and 25th in offensive rating (109.9) last season, per Basketball Reference.

Huerter averaged a career-high 12.1 points per game and made a career-best 38.9 percent of his three-point attempts in 74 appearances with Atlanta last season. He will likely play in the starting lineup while Davion Mitchell comes off the bench for incoming head coach Mike Brown.

The Sacramento Kings and free-agent guard Malik Monk agreed to a two-year deal that approaches a value of $20 million, according to agent Jeff Schwartz (h/t Marc Stein).

The 24-year-old spent last season with the Lakers after signing a one-year contract for the veteran's minimum. He was one of the few bright spots in a miserable season for the team, averaging a career-high 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 39.1 percent from the floor.

While Monk may never reach the star-level heights many hoped for when he left Kentucky, the sweet-shooting guard showed out as a capable fifth starter or sixth man who can light things up on any given night.

He closed the 2021-22 regular season with a career-high, 41-point performance in a win over the Denver Nuggets.

Given the failure of the Lakers front office in acquiring quality role players last offseason, it was little surprise they prioritized Monk among their free agents.

“I love being here, man. I love playing in this atmosphere and of course would love to come back and not do this again," he told reporters in April.

Monk has increased his scoring output in each of his NBA seasons and seen a massive improvement as a three-point shooter the last two years. After shooting no better than 34.2 percent over his first three NBA seasons, he has been over 39 percent each of the last two years.

While defense can still be an issue, Sacramento isn't acquiring the Kentucky product to lock down on the perimeter. He's a microwave scorer off the bench who can stretch the floor and create for himself off the dribble.

So long as he even matches his performance from last season, the Kings will be happy with Monk at the approximately $20 million number.

Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins has reportedly piqued the interest of multiple teams on the trade market in recent weeks.

According to Matt Moore of The Action Network, the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings have all checked in on Collins.

Moore noted that while the Hawks were shopping both Collins and veteran forward Danilo Gallinari leading up to the 2022 NBA draft, nothing materialized due largely to a tepid market.

Collins, 24, has been a constant subject of trade rumors over the past couple of years, and the whispers grew louder following an up-and-down 2021-22 season for the Hawks.

Atlanta signed Collins to a five-year, $125 million extension after helping the team go on a Cinderella run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, but last season didn't go according to plan for Collins or the Hawks as a whole.

The Hawks barely reached the playoffs with a 43-39 record and got eliminated in the first round by the Miami Heat.

Meanwhile, Collins had his lowest scoring average since his rookie season with 16.2 points per game to go along with 7.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 three-pointers made and 1.0 block. He also shot a career-low 52.6 percent from the field.

Collins had an even tougher go in the playoffs, averaging just 9.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists in five games.

There was clearly a disconnect between Collins and the Hawks last season, as Shams Charania of The Athletic reported in January that Collins had grown "increasingly frustrated" with his role and "challenged the Hawks locker room on several occasions."

Chris Kirschner of The Athletic added fuel to the fire last week, reporting that a source close to Collins said he is "done in Atlanta."

While Collins has some deficiencies, particularly on the defensive end, the 6'9" forward could be a big-time addition for any number of teams.

He is just two years removed from averaging a career-high 21.6 points and 10.1 rebounds in 41 games during the 2019-20 season, showing what he can do when utilized properly.

The Celtics, Bulls and Kings would likely all feature Collins prominently, although to varying degrees.

Boston reached the NBA Finals last season before falling to the Golden State Warriors, and while Collins would undoubtedly be a starter, he would probably be the third scoring option behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

The Bulls were a playoff team last season, but they lack a true power forward, so Collins would be an ideal fit and perhaps the No. 2 scoring option behind DeMar DeRozan unless Zach LaVine returns in free agency.

Sacramento is in the midst of a 16-year playoff drought and could use a splashy addition like Collins to get back on track.

Collins would give the Kings one of the NBA's most exciting frontcourt duos alongside Domantas Sabonis, and few teams would be able to match up well with them.

Although the Collins-Hawks relationship hasn't been at its best recently, trading him would leave Atlanta with a huge hole on the roster and no clear No. 2 scoring option behind All-Star guard Trae Young.

The Sacramento Kings added to their wing rotation Thursday when they agreed to a two-way deal with Alabama's Keon Ellis following the NBA draft, per Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic.

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Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Keon Ellis

Position: SF/SG

Height: 6'4"

Pro Comparison: Royce O'Neale

Scouting Report: Improved shooting has helped Ellis earn a three-and-D sleeper label. At 6'4", he's a limited creator, but a three-ball and defensive toughness may be all he needs to stick with the right team.

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Here is a look at the Kings' updated roster with Ellis aboard.

Kings Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Keegan Murray, PF: (rookie scale contract)

Keon Ellis, SF/SG: (two-way contract)

De'Aaron Fox, PG: $32.6M (2026)

Harrison Barnes, SF: $21.3M (2023)

Domantas Sabonis, PF: $18.7M (2024)

Richaun Holmes, C: $11.6M (2025)

Justin Holiday, SF: $6M (2023)

Davion Mitchell, PG: $5.2M (2025)

Maurice Harkless, SF: $4.5M (2023)

Terence Davis, SG: $4M (2023)

Alex Len, C: $3.8M (2023)

Trey Lyles, PF: $2.6M (2023)

Chimezie Metu, PF: $1.5M (2023)

Free Agents

Jeremy Lamb, SG: UFA

Josh Jackson, SG: UFA

Donte DiVincenzo, SG: RFA

Damian Jones, C: UFA

Neemias Queta, C: RFA

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He was more of a secondary contributor for the Crimson Tide in 2020-21, but he broke through in his final collegiate season as an SEC All-Defensive selection who averaged 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from three-point range.

Ellis played some of his best basketball down the stretch and scored in double figures in six of his last seven games, including 16 points, nine rebounds and two steals in the NCAA tournament loss to Notre Dame and tallied 28 points, five rebounds and four steals in a defeat to Kentucky.

He has the potential to be an impact three-and-D player at the next level, especially if he can hone his outside shot.

Ellis' combination of length and athleticism should help him stay in front of ball-handlers, and he figures to compete for playing time during his rookie season for the Kings.

The New York Knicks might be prepared to match the "significant price" it would take to acquire the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft from the Sacramento Kings, according to SNY's Ian Begley.

"People in touch with Sacramento say that in the club's conversations with New York, the Knicks have talked about offering multiple first-round picks in a package for the No. 4 pick," Begley reported Tuesday. "I don't know which players were offered, but it wasn't enough to lock a deal in."

Begley cited Purdue's Jaden Ivey as one target for the Knicks if they do trade up.

Ivey averaged 17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists as a sophomore with the Boilermakers. He also shot 46.0 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from beyond the arc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3A_1PhVCrs

In his post-combine big board, Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman ranked the 6'4" guard as the No. 4 overall prospect in this year's draft class:

Ivey going in the top three seems like a long shot, but there was some buzz in Chicago about scouts and teams who have him as high as No. 2. There is no topping his explosiveness off the dribble, and over the past year, his improved handles and vision have helped him maximize the effectiveness of that burst. Ivey's development as a shooter and decision-maker will ultimately determine how valuable of an NBA guard he becomes. He made some nice strides with his jump shot, though a cold final two months from three does raise questions after he struggled from deep as a freshman.

With Ivey and RJ Barrett, the Knicks would have a dynamic pair of young stars who can either lead the franchise forward themselves or help New York fare better in free agency than it has in recent years.

Regardless of whether Ivey was the pick, if the Knicks trade multiple first-round picks, it could carry major implications, most notably toward Kyrie Irving's potential free agency.

The Athletic's Shams Charania reported Monday that Irving and the Brooklyn Nets are at an impasse in contract negotiations. The seven-time All-Star can become an unrestricted free agent if he declines his $36.9 million player option for the 2022-23 season. Charania mentioned the Knicks as a possible landing spot if Irving leaves Brooklyn.

Executing a sign-and-trade for the 30-year-old might be more difficult for the Knicks without a full arsenal of draft capital. Selecting Ivey would seemingly take them out of the Irving market as well since those moves would point to two different areas of focus from the front office.

The Sacramento Kings have reportedly discussed acquiring Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins ahead of the 2022 NBA draft.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported the Kings would not be including the No. 4 pick in Thursday's draft in a Collins trade.

The Hawks have explored Collins trades off and on for years, although they have yet to deal him. Collins signed a five-year, $125 million extension last offseason, but he was once again the subject of trade speculation around the trade deadline.

Hawks CEO Steve Koonin recently dismissed Collins trade rumors during an appearance on the Dukes & Bell Show, saying "I would say it starts with Bull and ends with..." before trailing off.

With that said, there have been so many Collins trade rumors—and so many different reporters making similar suggestions—that it would be a surprise if the Hawks weren't at least open to a trade.

The Kings would not be the most seamless fit, as they just traded for Domantas Sabonis at the deadline and already have Richaun Holmes on the roster. Even if Holmes were part of a trade for Collins, a Sabonis-Collins frontcourt seems like a potential defensive disaster.

Sacramento could offer up the expiring contract of Harrison Barnes as part of a deal, which would give Atlanta some wing help and long-term salary relief. The Hawks spent last offseason trying to build upon their 2021 Eastern Conference Finals appearance, so adding the older, lesser player in Barnes feels like an unlikely solution.

Golden State Warriors big man Kevon Looney, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent, is in for a big payday after helping the franchise win its fourth NBA championship in the last eight seasons, and it appears a number of teams are interested in his services.

The Charlotte Hornets and Sacramento Kings are interested in signing Looney this summer, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

"After playing a pivotal role in Golden State’s championship success, Kevon Looney’s forthcoming free agency will be monitored more closely than anyone might have imagined a month ago. Charlotte and Sacramento, soon to be coached by Golden State assistant Mike Brown, are among the teams said to be interested in signing Looney away from the Warriors, who spent nearly $350 million this season on salary and luxury tax for their championship roster."

Looney had a solid 2021-22 season for the Warriors. He appeared in all 82 regular-season games, making 80 starts, and averaged 6.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 57.1 percent from the floor.

The 26-year-old was just as good in the playoffs, appearing in all 22 games and making 13 starts, averaging 5.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 65.9 percent from the floor.

Looney is coming off a three-year, $14.5 million deal with Golden State, who selected him in the first round of the 2015 draft. He should receive a nice raise ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, but obviously the Dubs are going to face some hefty competition for his services.

Charlotte's interest in Looney comes as little surprise as it could use a solid interior presence to complement LaMelo Ball and the team's other shooters. In addition, the Hornets need a player who can help on the glass.

Mason Plumlee still has one year remaining on his contract, but Looney would be a solid depth addition for the franchise with Montrezl Harrell set to become a free agent.

As for the Kings, they don't necessarily have a huge need for Looney with both Domantas Sabonis and Richaun Holmes on the roster. However, he would undoubtedly strengthen the team's play on the boards.

That said, Looney has won three titles with the Warriors, so it would be no surprise to see him re-sign with the Dubs this summer and help the team contend for another championship in 2022-23 and beyond.

Purdue point guard Jaden Ivey could very well be the No. 4 pick in the 2022 NBA draft. However, he doesn't appear keen on playing for the franchise that currently owns the fourth overall selection.

The Sacramento Kings "aren't Ivey's preferred destination," according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony. However, the Kings could still pick Ivey even if he withholds medical information and declines workouts with them because they haven't been afraid to do so in the past, per Givony.

Givony adds that "many around the NBA feel that this pick is available for a team looking to swap picks and move up the draft for Ivey." It wouldn't make much sense for the Kings to select Ivey, as they have recent lottery picks De'Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell as their starting guards.

With that said, NBA insider Quinton Mayo (h/t Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee) reported that the Washington Wizards are interested in acquiring the fourth overall pick to select Ivey.

The Wizards could use a point guard to pair with Bradley Beal, so their interest in Ivey comes as no surprise. However, the asking price for the fourth overall selection could be hefty, so there's no guarantee that Sacramento trades the pick.

In an interview with The Spun's Matt Hladik, Ivey said he "would love to go anywhere," but that playing for the Detroit Pistons or Indiana Pacers would be special because his mother, Niele Ivey, played for the WNBA's Detroit Shock and Indiana Fever during her playing career.

The Pistons own the No. 5 pick and the Pacers own the sixth overall selection. However, Detroit already has Cade Cunningham and Indiana has Malcolm Brogdon, so it's unclear how interested they would be in Ivey.

With that said, Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer recently reported that the Pacers were testing the market for Brogdon. That means they might be open to taking Ivey at No. 6 and pairing him with combo guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Ivey is widely believed to be the best point guard available in the 2022 draft class. During his sophomore season at Purdue, he averaged 17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists while shooting 46.- percent from the floor and 35.8 percent from deep in 36 games.