New Contract Raises Expectations for Keegan Murray

Keegan Murray’s new contract brings new expectations after an injury-shortened season. The Kings need him to bounce back in 2026-27.

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Aug 18, 2026, 4:27 PM Updated: 7:03 pm

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When Scott Perry was hired as Sacramento Kings general manager last offseason, he had one clear young building block on the roster. Keegan Murray was entering his fourth season and would have an expanded role, but injuries quickly derailed that plan.

Murray tore the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left thumb during Sacramento’s second preseason game. Still, less than a week after Murray’s UCL tear, Perry signed Murray to a five-year, $140 million contract extension.

With an aging, expensive roster, the 6’8″ former lottery pick had value as a versatile, two-way forward. Unfortunately, he didn’t get to display that last season.

The thumb injury kept him sidelined for over a month and cost him the first 15 games of the season. After a 19-game stretch of up-and-down games, Murray suffered a moderate left ankle sprain in early January, which he said was the first ankle injury he’d experienced in his career.

He attempted a return in February, but re-injured his left ankle in just his fourth game back. That ended Murray’s season after just 23 games. He had participated in 76 or more in each of the three years prior. He averaged 14.0 points and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 42% from the field and 27.7% from three.

With that being his final year on a rookie contract, Murray begins his $140 million extension by making $24 million next season. With major money already committed to Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and Malik Monk, the last thing Sacramento needs is another contract that becomes negative value.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 30: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots the ball against Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Intuit Dome on December 30, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots the ball against Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Intuit Dome on December 30, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Defensively, Murray has made his greatest impact in recent seasons. He’s a capable on-ball defender across multiple positions and rebounds at a good rate. Offensively, he’s never shot the three as he did with the Beam Team. As a rookie, Murray attempted 6.3 triples per night and made 41.1 percent. That number has lowered every year since, going from 35.8% in year two, 34.3% in year three, and 27.7% in 2025-26. Keep in mind the injuries made for a tough sample size last season.

Still surrounded by on-ball creators in Darius Acuff Jr., LaVine, Sabonis, and Malik Monk, Murray will need more than catch-and-shoot or cutting opportunities. Driving to the basket with force and consistently exploiting mismatches would be a big next step in his offensive game.

The addition of De’Andre Hunter should lessen his defensive burden, which may have been impacting his offensive game as well.

The Kings don’t need Murray to grow into a star. They’re paying him to be an above-average starter. If he can regain his form as a reliable three-point shooter on volume while making a defensive impact, that may be enough. Having recently turned 26 years old and entering his fifth season, Murray could be poised to take another step in his game.

Sacramento’s current roster construction could add complications, but after Acuff, Keegan Murray is the most important player for Sacramento’s future.

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for Darius Acuff Jr. and the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento will begin training camp in late September as they prepare for preseason play on Monday, October 5th, when they face Luka Doncic and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay tuned to Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, analysis, and much more.