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Should Kings Sign Kris Murray if Released by Grizzlies?
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- Should Kings Sign Kris Murray if Released by Grizzlies?
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The Sacramento Kings have taken part in Ben Simmons ' redemption story, signing him to a one-year deal , and they could take on another project in Kris Murray .
Murray is expected to become a free agent as a result of being waived by the Memphis Grizzlies . Memphis acquired him in the Ja Morant deal on June 29 and has 19 players on standard contracts ahead of training camp.
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The team has until the start of the season to cut four players to maintain 15 regular-season roster spots, and Murray is on the chopping block.
Carmichael Dave, host of "The Drive Guys" on Sactown Spots 1140, believes the Kings should reunite Kris Murray with his twin brother Keegan Murray .
"Since we're embarking on what I like to call the feel-good Sacramento Kings season with redemption stories and Ben Simmons, curtain calls for Zach LaVine in a contract year, DeAndre Hunter now with both eyes, thank God, doing his thing," Dave said on Wednesday's episode . "There's a lot of real good human interest stories. Why not reunite the twins at home?"
Kris Murray has struggled to carve a role with the Portland Trail Blazers , his former team, in the past three seasons. He's averaged 5.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists over 188 games.
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His shooting deficiency has hindered his ability to score efficiently, shooting 42.5% from the field and 25.9% from three in his career.
The 26-year-old is a capable finisher at the rim, often dunking to finish fast breaks or when attacking a closeout in the half-court. That's his one true strength, and improving as a shooter could create more consistent driving lanes for him.
Kris Murray is a versatile team defender at 6-foot-8 with a 6-foot-11.75 wingspan, and is sharp at rotating on defense to cut off driving or passing lanes.
That's a potential benefit for the Kings, who had the third-worst defensive rating in NBA history last season. He becomes another defensive wing, paired with his twin brother, Simmons and Hunter.
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Dave values defensive versatility for Sacramento next season, and it is one reason why he advocated for the Simmons signing.
Kris Murray, like Simmons, can be a low-risk, high-reward signing if released by Memphis. Sacramento needs to build on its marginal signings this offseason to build a solid foundation for next season.
The Kings view Keegan Murray as part of their long-term vision , and adding his twin brother could be what he needs to break out of a regressing slump over the last few seasons.
