NBA Rumors: Sacramento Kings Expected To Part Ways With Inconsistent Big Man
One department the Sacramento Kings are expected to improve on is the middle and there are a lot of NBA free agents that could fill in that void this offseason. Willie Cauley-Stein tried his best to fill up that void but the 25-year-old big man is simply unable to live up to the expectations of team management. Hence, it comes to no surprise that the former Wildcat has made it know that he wants out of Sacramento.
According to a report from the Sacramento Bee, Cauley-Stein wants a fresh start in his NBA career. The Kings could extend a qualifying offer to the 6th overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft but all this may be for naught. Through his agent, Roger Montgomery of Roc Nation, the Kentucky standout is reportedly keen on a fresh start - hinting that he will be another big man worth considering this summer.
“I really think Willie needs a fresh start,” said Montgomery. “Based on how things have gone for him there in Sacramento, I just think it’s time for Willie to move on and we’d really like him to move on.”
In his four seasons with the Kings, the numbers of Cauley-Stein are hardly the numbers that teams would consider as superstar material. He averaged 10.1 points on 53.4-percent shooting to go with 6.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks, ESPN reported. There is obviously plenty to improve on and a change in scenery could help aid in all that. But as far as money is concerned, Cauley-Stein may want to lower his expectations and opt to sign a short-term deal at first to prove he can be a force to reckon with in the NBA.
One department he needs to work on is consistency during games. He had a good start last NBA season, averaging 17.4 points per outing. Those numbers dipped as the season progressed and such will factor in once he negotiates for a new pact. The Kings did say that Cauley-Stein fits the team's philosophy although it appears that both parties are headed out opposite doors.
Cauley-Stein recently completed the final year of his contract with the Kings worth $15.3 million. Sacramento could extend him a $6.2 million qualifying offer that would make him a restricted free agent so that they can match any offer. Either way, Cauley-Stein wants out so that he can test the free agent market and hopefully get a new lease on life with a new NBA team for the 2019-20 NBA season.
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