UPDATE: Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray has just finalized a five-year, $140 million rookie contract extension, ensuring his place with the franchise through the 2030-31 season. This significant deal, confirmed by representatives Mark Bartelstein and Kyle McAlarney of Priority Sports to ESPN, marks a pivotal moment for both Murray and the Kings.
Murray, selected as the No. 4 pick in the 2022 NBA draft, quickly became a cornerstone for Sacramento, helping the team break its playoff drought during his first year as a full-time starter. Although his offensive stats have seen some stagnation, his defensive prowess has solidified his role as a vital two-way player in a squad often leaning towards offense.
Last season, he averaged 12.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 76 games. Murray has established himself as a top perimeter defender, matching up against All-Stars in 1,005 halfcourt situations—the fifth-most in the NBA. He’s also one of only three players to achieve more than 500 three-pointers, 150 blocks, and 150 steals in the past three seasons, alongside stars Anthony Edwards and Derrick White.
While this extension is a positive development for Murray, he faces a challenging start to the upcoming season. He is set to miss several weeks due to a torn UCL in his left thumb, an injury that could impact the Kings’ early-game strategies. Murray’s previous health record has been remarkable, playing in 233 out of 246 games in his first three seasons, but this latest setback introduces uncertainty.
This extension makes Murray the sixth player in the league this year to secure a rookie contract extension before the looming deadline of Monday, 11:59 p.m. ET. His commitment to the Kings highlights the franchise’s confidence in his abilities as they continue to build a competitive team in the NBA.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Kings prepare for the upcoming season, especially in how they manage Murray’s recovery and the overall roster dynamics. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.