Kofi Inkoom
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Sacramento Kings have confirmed that they will be extending the rookie scale team options for the 2024/25 season for three players: forward Keegan Murray, guard Davion Mitchell, and swingman Chris Duarte.
In specific terms, Murray’s option for his third year will result in a payment of $8,809,560 for the 2024/25 season.
This was an anticipated move, given Murray’s exceptional performance as the fourth overall pick, earning a spot on the All-Rookie first team.
He averaged 12.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game with an impressive 41.1% three-point shooting rate in the previous season, establishing himself as a full-time starter for the Western Conference’s third-seeded team.
As for Mitchell and Duarte, their fourth-year options in 2024/25 are valued at $6,451,077 and $5,893,768, respectively.
Mitchell, selected ninth overall in the 2021 draft, played a significant role off the bench for the Kings last season, contributing an average of 5.6 points and 2.3 assists in 80 games. His reputation is more focused on defensive prowess than offensive output.
Duarte joined the Kings following a trade with the Pacers during the offseason and is expected to play a pivotal role on the wing this season.
Despite facing challenges with his shooting and injuries in the previous season, he displayed potential as a versatile two-way wing during his rookie year in 2021/22, with an average of 13.1 points per game.
Looking ahead, the Kings will need to make a decision on Murray’s fourth-year option for the 2025/26 season, which amounts to approximately $11.1 million, by the end of next October 31. Meanwhile, Mitchell and Duarte are now in line to become eligible for rookie scale extensions next summer.