Sacramento Kings Discussing Signing Shooter Nemanja Bjelica

The Kings reportedly have engaged the former EuroLeague MVP in contract talks.

Jul 18, 2018, 12:00 AM Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 11:31 am

Watch: Jerry Reynolds Breaks Down The Kings Biggest Roster Questions | 25 mins

by Matt George – Sports 1140 KHTK Reporter

The 2018 NBA offseason circus continues.

Forward Nemanja Bjelica and the Kings plan to begin discussing potential deal, league sources tell Yahoo Sports. Bjelica represents a shooter on the wing/frontcourt, and a long-term fit makes sense.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 18, 2018

Yes, the very same Nemanja Bjelica who agreed to a one year, $4.45 million deal with the 76ers, only to tell Philadelphia that he was going to go back to Europe next season.

Now, according to multiple reports, Sacramento Kings General Manager Vlade Divac, well known for his history and connections in the European basketball leagues, has approached Bjelica about staying in the states with a different franchise.

Sources: Kings GM Vlade Divac reached out to Nemanja Bjelica today to explain his value in staying in the NBA versus leaving for Europe. https://t.co/kwltJZ9rVx

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 18, 2018

Bjelica is a 6’10”, 240 pound forward who spent a significant amount of time playing small forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves last season. Considered mostly a power forward, his 41.5% 3pt shooting last season is a valuable asset in the modern NBA. In around 20 minutes a night, Bjelica averaged 6.8 points (on 46% shooting), four rebounds, and an assist.

An impressive European resume, the 30-year-old forward was the 2015 EuroLeague MVP and a former teammate of current King Bogdan Bogdanovic at Fenerbahçe.

I'm told Nemanja Bjelica felt devalued at $4.4M with PHI. Fenerbahce decided not to overload roster, CSKA have no interest at this time, SAC Kings can throw him more cash than his Sixers deal. This is a financial decision.

— David Pick (@IAmDPick) July 18, 2018

With a little over $20 million in cap space, the Sacramento Kings can certainly afford to offer Bjelica more in both years and dollars.