Kings GM Scott Perry Rules Out Veteran Buyouts
Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry made significant comments regarding the team’s approach to veteran players during a press conference on Friday. He indicated that the Kings do not plan to pursue buyouts with any veterans on the roster this season.
Kings GM Scott Perry Addresses Veteran Buyouts
Perry emphasized his expectations for the veterans, stating, “I expect the veterans to be here through the end of the season.” He highlighted the importance of these players not only performing on the court but also mentoring younger teammates.
Potential Trade Discussions
The Kings have been open to trading certain veterans, including:
- Zach LaVine
- DeMar DeRozan
- Domantas Sabonis
- Malik Monk
However, all these players are under multiyear contracts, making buyouts unlikely. Despite this, there are a few players on the Kings’ roster who could be considered for a buyout.
Russell Westbrook’s Situation
One notable candidate is Russell Westbrook. The former NBA MVP is on a one-year, minimum-salary contract. Despite a polarizing career, Westbrook has maintained solid performance stats at age 37. He averages:
- 15.3 points
- 6.7 assists
- 5.8 rebounds
- 1.4 steals
- Shooting percentages: .430 FG, .348 3P, .703 FT
John Hollinger from The Athletic recently listed Westbrook as the top buyout candidate, categorizing him under “rotation-caliber additions.” Another player mentioned was backup big man Drew Eubanks, ranked No. 27, under “maybe there’s something left in the tank?”
Current Team Performance
The Sacramento Kings currently have a record of 12-40, positioning them as the team with the worst performance in the league. They are, however, just four games behind five other teams: New Orleans, Indiana, Brooklyn, Washington, and Utah, in the reverse standings.
This situation sets the stage for critical decisions as the season progresses and trade deadlines approach, keeping fans and analysts alike watching closely.
