June has arrived, meaning that the start of NBA free agency is right around the corner.
Which current members of the Sacramento Kings will become free agents when the NBA’s free agency period begins on Monday, June 30th (3 p.m. PT)?
With new general manager Scott Perry, assistant general manager B.J. Armstrong, and head coach Doug Christie all being signed to their new positions in the early stages of the offseason, all eyes will soon shift to how this Kings roster is constructed for the 2025-26 season.
Sacramento is fresh off a 40-42 season that concluded in disappointing fashion–a blowout loss to the Dallas Mavericks at Golden 1 Center in the ninth vs. tenth seed Play-In Game, putting the finishing touches on a tumultuous season that included the firing of head coach Mike Brown and the trade of star guard De’Aaron Fox.
Not even one hour removed from their season-ending loss to Dallas, the Kings announced that 2022-23 Executive of the Year winner Monte McNair would not return as general manager.
Perry, who assumed the role as GM the following day, will have to make decisions on several players once the NBA Finals conclude (teams can begin negotiations with their own free agents the day after the Finals end).
Here’s a look at Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles, who will become a free agent this summer.
YouTube video
F – Trey Lyles – 2024-25 salary: $8 million
Lyles, one of the staples in Sacramento’s rotation over the past four seasons, will enter NBA free agency for the second time since joining the Kings during the 2021-22 season’s trade deadline.
Following a strong 2022-23 season that saw Lyles provide Sacramento with valuable minutes as the team’s backup power forward, the Kentucky product inked a two-year, $16 million deal to remain with the Kings.
Two seasons later, with averages of 6.9 points and 4.5 rebounds on 43/36/70 shooting splits over 127 games under his belt, Lyles will once again enter free agency as Sacramento will have to make another decision on the backup power forward spot.
Should Sacramento bring Trey Lyles back in 2025-26?
It’s almost certain that Lyles won’t return for his $8 million salary, but the Kings could reunite with the 29-year-old for a lower number if the two sides want to run things back for another season, especially if a reunion with Jake LaRavia doesn’t take shape.
Lyles has often mentioned that Sacramento has been his first true home in the NBA, as the veteran forward has played more games in a Kings uniform (225 games) than for any other team he’s suited up for during his ten-year career.
As far as free agent forward options are concerned, Sacramento could have a hard time finding production that exceeds Lyles, especially if the two sides can negotiate a lower price point.
Options like Bobby Portis Jr. (player option for $13.4 million), John Collins (player option for $26.6 million), and Jonathan Kuminga (restricted free agent) could be on the market, but will likely be well out of the Kings’ price range as they hope to remain below the first salary tax apron.
Opinion
If Lyles were to return for, say, a two-year deal worth $11.5 million (second-year partially guaranteed), it seems like a win-win for both sides.
Sacramento will look to upgrade its roster this summer, so we’ll see if new GM Scott Perry has other ideas for his backup forward spot, but having a floor-spacing forward who can also play some small-ball five certainly wouldn’t hurt this roster.
Replacing Lyles might be a tall task in free agency, but Perry could also find a solution on the trade market.
What’s next for the Sacramento Kings offseason?
Although the Sacramento Kings do not own a first-round pick, they are in the process of preparing for June 25-26th’s 2025 NBA Draft.
Sacramento’s first-round pick was finally conveyed to Atlanta in what was the final ripple effect from the 2022 offseason trade that brought Kevin Huerter to the Kings.
While they won’t select in the first round, Sacramento owns the 42nd pick in the draft, meaning they will select at least one player on Day 2 (June 26th) of the draft.
Be sure to keep up on all Kings offseason news right here on Sactown Sports 1140, with live on-air coverage every Monday-Friday from 6 am to 6 pm PT.
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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