Keegan Murray probably deserves the label of “the future of the Sacramento Kings” and his recent five-year, $140 million contract extension with the organization that drafted him fourth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Only Domantas Sabonis remains from the team that Murray joined as a 21-year-old out of Iowa. “Just a couple of years ago, I was in high school with no Division 1 offers,” the now 25-year-old reflected after Tuesday’s practice.
“It just speaks for itself, the people that I’ve aligned myself with, the organization that I was able to go to,” he continued. “I think all of that just collectively puts me in a very fortunate spot where I am now.”
Three seasons into his NBA journey, Murray has recorded career averages of 13.3 points and 6.7 rebounds on 45.1 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from three.
Although former Kings general manager Monte McNair drafted Murray, current GM Scott Perry’s willingness to extend him at an average annual value of $28 million demonstrates their confidence in his potential.
YouTube video
“I feel like (my agent and I were) on the same page with the front office here and what we want to do in the future and this year,” Murray said. “So I was excited that we’re able to get it done, and I’m very fortunate, very blessed to be in Sacramento for a long time.”
Murray’s contract, excluding a player or team option, will last until 2031, when he will be 31 years old — a majority of his ‘prime’ years. Unfortunately, the versatile forward tore the UCL in his left thumb during the preseason, sidelining him for four to six weeks.
Head coach Doug Christie is facing a challenging situation as he tries to fill the void left by Murray and Sabonis, with a lack of comparable talent to rely on. The difficulties of replacing Murray help explain the recent extension agreement.
Able to continue cardio exercises, Murray said, remaining conditioned “isn’t really an issue.”
“Just stay with it every day,” he said Tuesday, the day before Sacramento’s regular season debut in Phoenix.
“Rehab is something that I haven’t really done to an extent. So it’s just learning, trying to stay on the things I have to do day to day, so I can get back to this team as quick as possible and alleviate some of the issues that we might have with me gone.”
It’s unclear who will start in Murray’s place in the immediate future, but he’s clearly expected to be part of Sacramento’s core for the foreseeable future.
More Sacramento Kings coverage on Sactown Sports
The NBA preseason provides teams with an opportunity to assess their revamped rosters and begin implementing new strategies on both offense and defense. However, the top priority for most teams is to emerge from this period healthy.
Unfortunately, the Sacramento Kings have faced challenges in this regard, losing two players from positions with uncertain depth. Keegan Murray has a torn UCL in his left thumb, which will keep him sidelined for four to six weeks, affecting his participation in nine to seventeen games.
Additionally, key player Domantas Sabonis has suffered a grade 1 hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated after the regular season games against the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz.
Drew Eubanks, who signed a one-year deal with Sacramento during the offseason, is expected to start in place of Sabonis, although Murray’s position is less certain.
Read More:
How Drew Eubanks is approaching starting in place of Domantas Sabonis
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
Sacramento will tip off the 2025-26 regular season on Wednesday night when they face Devin Booker and the Suns in Phoenix.
Be sure to catch all of the Kings vs. Suns action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 2:00 PM PT on The Drive Guys before a 7:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Phoenix.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Wednesday, October 22nd – @ Phoenix Suns – 7 PM PT (Season Opener)
Friday, October 24th – vs. Utah Jazz – 7 PM PT
Sunday, October 26th – vs. Los Angeles Lakers – 6 PM PT
Tuesday, October 28th – @ Oklahoma City Thunder – 5 PM PT
Wednesday, October 29th – @ Chicago Bulls – 5 PM PT
Thank you for readingSactownSports.com. Follow us onTwitterandGoogle News, and subscribe to ourYouTubechannel.