WTF
Source:
Kings unlikely to pursue free agent center Nikola Vucevic [By James Ham June 16, 2019 5:34 PM]
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/kings/source-kings-unlikely-pursue-free-agent-center-nikola-vucevic
SACRAMENTO -- The rumor mill is only going to heat up as we approach the start of the NBA's free agency period on June 30. With $35-38 million to spend, the Sacramento Kings are going to get mentioned plenty, and often the reports will be inaccurate.
Vlade Divac and his team have placed an emphasis on improving the center position, but according to a league source, while the team holds Nikola Vucevic in high regard, the team is not expected to chase the Orlando Magic big man in free agency, despite reports to the contrary.
After posting 20.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.1 blocks per game this season, Vucevic is primed to sign a mega contract, whether it's with the Orlando or elsewhere.
The 28-year-old is skilled and made his first All-Star team this season, but he's not a great fit for the Kings' uptempo style of play.
There are plenty of other centers on the market this summer. Dewayne Dedmon and DeAndre Jordan are both unrestricted free agents and might work as short-term fixes. Jordan is on the wrong side of 30 and Dedmon isn't far behind, but both are solid rebounders and defenders.
Memphis Grizzlies big man Jonas Valanciunas just opted out of his contract for this season and is an unrestricted free agent. At 27-year-old he fits the age arc of the Kings' roster, but again, isn't exactly built for an uptempo style.
The team hasn't shut the door on a return of the incumbent starter, Willie Cauley-Stein. He is long and athletic, but his inconsistent play continues to concern the Kings. Sacramento is likely to extend the 25-year-old a qualifying offer before the beginning of free agency, locking him into restricted free agent status. They will wait to see how the market materializes for the former No. 6 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft before making a final decision on his future with the team.
