Nobody would be surprised if the Sacramento Kings shook up the top of their roster at the beginning of Scott Perry’s general manager regime in California’s capitol. Rumors have been swirling about DeMar DeRozan, but some of their important depth pieces hang in the balance currently as well.
Keon Ellis has a complicated contract scenario, leaving Sacramento to decide if they want to decline his option and allow the two-way guard to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason. Another contract negotiation will likely take place with forward Jake LaRavia.
The Kings acquired LaRavia from the Memphis Grizzlies via a mid-season trade for Alex Len, Colby Jones, and a second-round pick. He was relatively cheap due to Memphis having declined his fourth-year rookie-scale option, limiting their ability to pay him in the looming offseason.
Grizzlies GM Zach Klieman admitted that, in hindsight, declining the option was a mistake.
Former GM Monte McNair facilitated the deal, but now Perry inherits LaRavia and his contractual restrictions, limited to a starting salary of roughly $5.1 million.
Signing a shorter-term deal to re-negotiation shortly isn’t out of the question, and that may be a fair price tag for the 6’8 forward, but it’ll ultimately be the free agent market determining his value.
LaRavia reflected on his short time with Sacramento in an interview with Basketball Insiders.
“I found my groove and I was doing everything on the court, which is what I strive to do every game,” LaRavia said. “It’s not just scoring and playmaking, but it’s defense, hustle plays and all of the little things…I was able to carve out that role off the bench as that energy guy.”
In just 19 games played with the Kings, he averaged 6.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on 43.8 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three. But it’s his size, physicality, and defensive versatility that Sacramento desperately needs.
LaRavia echoed his positive sentiments about new head coach Doug Christie, saying they “clicked pretty early, just because he liked the way I play.”
He informed the Kings that “if they gave him the head coaching job, I’d look forward to going back there even more,” he told Basketball Insiders.
“I really did enjoy being there in Sacramento, even outside of the coaches and the players, the fanbase there was amazing, “LaRavia said. “I could see going back there as an option.”
Considering the change in management, it’ll be interesting to see how Perry approaches LaRavia this offseason.
The 23-year-old told Basketball Insiders that he also has an interest in playing for the Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, and Denver Nuggets.
But he clearly enjoyed his time wearing royal purple, and Doug Christie was named the long-term head coach. With Perry now in charge, it’ll be interesting to see what direction he takes with LaRavia.
More Sacramento Kings coverage on Sactown Sports
Chris Watkins and Brenden Nunes joined The Allen Stiles for another edition of The Kings Roundtable to break down the Sacramento Kings not participating in the California Classic Summer League, continued DeMar DeRozan trade rumors, and plenty more.
For Summer League, Las Vegas has always been the true highlight with every NBA team sending a squad to participate.
But smaller leagues exist for short portions before Vegas, including Miami, Utah, and, recently, Northern California. Despite alternating hosting between themselves and Chase Center, home of the Warriors, the Kings will not be participating in 2025.
Allen, Brenden, and Chris discussed the potential reason, given that the change is taking place after the new general manager, Scott Perry, has taken over.
Read More:
Kings Roundtable: California Classic, DeRozan rumors
Upcoming offseason schedule for the Sacramento Kings:
Wednesday, June 25th – 2025 NBA Draft
Monday, June 30th – NBA free agent negotiations can begin
Sunday, July 6th – NBA free agents can officially sign with teams
July 10th-20th – Las Vegas NBA Summer League
August TBD – Release of 2025-26 regular season schedule
September TBD – Start of NBA training camps for the 2025-26 season
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