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 Jake LaRavia, who will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Jake LaRavia and Keon Ellis. pic.twitter.com/lX8zYkRwY6
— Skyler (KFR) (@SacFilmRoom) March 4, 2025
F – Jake LaRavia – 2024-25 salary: $3.6 million
Due to inconsistencies during his first two-plus seasons with Memphis, the Grizzlies declined their fourth-year option on LaRavia before this season, making the 6’8 forward an impending unrestricted free agent.
This means that LaRavia will be free to negotiate with all 29 other NBA teams. Due to CBA limitations and restrictions, the Kings will be capped at an offer that includes a first-year salary of $5.1 million.
LaRavia recently stated that he would be open to returning to Sacramento, adding that he enjoyed playing for new head coach Doug Christie during the final months of the 2024-25 regular season–one that was cut short for LaRavia due to a wrist injury.
The Kings could look to add LaRavia to a short, two-year deal that includes a player option on the second year, which would open the door for a longer deal and higher salary if the forward’s play mirrors his brief contributions with Sacramento: 6.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.9 steals on 38 percent shooting from three-point range.
Bringing back LaRavia appears to be a priority for the Kings, who could benefit from having a floor-spacing, physical presence on the roster that can defend multiple positions.
Why are the Kings limited in what they can offer LaRavia?
Memphis declined his 4th-year option — Originally under a four-year rookie-scale deal, the Memphis Grizzlies chose not to pick up LaRavia’s fourth-year option (around $5.16 million). That makes him an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Option decline = salary cap restriction — When a team declines a rookie option, league rules prevent any team (including the original or one that acquires his rights) from offering more than that option amount in the first year of his next contract. SoSacramento can’t exceed about $5.16 millionin year one.
Other teams don’t face that cap — This restriction only applies to teams that inherited the declined option (Memphis, now Sacramento). All other teams are free to offer LaRavia more, using exceptions such as the mid-level or cap room exception.
Can Sacramento make it work with LaRavia?
If the Kings and LaRavia were to sign a 1+1 deal that includes a player option in the second season, Sacramento could re-sign him for a higher rate following the first season due to full Bird rights.
The starting salary for year one would remain unchanged — $5.16 million — but it opens the door for a longer, more lucrative deal if LaRavia were to earn a higher payday.
Opinion
LaRavia fits the mould of what this Kings team needs, which is a young, 6’8 forward who can defend multiple positions and space the floor.
Sacramento will surely do what it can to retain LaRavia, but the fact that other teams can offer more could hinder their chances of bringing him back for 2025-26 and beyond.
I expect the Kings to make LaRavia an early offer in free agency, with the hope being that the two sides can continue the partnership for years to come.
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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