The NBA didn’t get to see much of Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter during his rookie season, but the league should get a good look at him during the Las Vegas Summer League.
Carter is a promising young two-way player who came out of Providence as the No. 13 pick in the 2024 NBA draft, but he appeared in only 36 games last season after recovering from shoulder surgery. Carter will have a chance to showcase his game in Las Vegas, where the Kings will open against the Orlando Magic at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.
The Golden State Warriors might want to watch Carter closely as he has emerged as a central figure in trade talks for Jonathan Kuminga. According to sources with knowledge of the situation, the Kings have proposed a sign-and-trade deal that would send Carter, Dario Saric and two second-round draft picks to Golden State.
The Warriors balked at that proposal, but the Kings are still viewed as Kuminga’s “strongest pursuer,” according to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater. Golden State reportedly wants a good young player and a first-round pick for Kuminga. Carter could be viewed as both as a 2024 lottery pick who logged less than 400 minutes last season.
Carter, 23 put up modest numbers in limited playing time, averaging 3.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.6 steals in 11.0 minutes per game. His per 36 averages — 12.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.9 steals — hint at how well he rebounds and defends as a 6-foot-2 guard with a 6-8 ¾ wingspan.
Carter was named Big East Conference Player of the Year in 2024 after averaging 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.8 steals as a senior at Providence. He shot 47.3% from the field and 37.7% from 3-point range on 6.9 attempts per game.
Carter suffered a torn left labrum during a workout prior to the draft. He missed summer league, training camp and the first 38 games of the 2024-25 season after undergoing surgery in July.
Carter had his best game in a 123-119 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 19, scoring 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting with five rebounds, three assists and three steals.