Keegan Murray still has a key role to play in Kings’ rebuild

Keegan Murray is entering a pivotal fifth season with the Sacramento Kings, and according to ABC 10’s Kevin John, the expectations surrounding the former fourth overall pick may look different than they did when he entered the NBA.

Murray is beginning the first season of his five-year, $140 million extension after an injury-plagued 2025-26 campaign.

The 26-year-old appeared in just 23 games, averaging 14.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks while shooting 42 percent from the field and 27 percent from three-point range.

Speaking with Matt George on Sactown Sports’ The Matt George Podcast, John acknowledged that Murray’s offensive development has not followed the trajectory many expected after his impressive rookie season.

“I don’t know if the trajectory that we saw Keegan three years ago, even two years ago, is what he’s going to become or what we’re going to see,” John said.

Murray burst onto the scene during Sacramento’s 2022-23 ‘Beam Team’ season, shooting 41 percent from three and setting an NBA rookie record at the time with 206 made 3-pointers. However, his outside shooting has regressed since then, while his responsibilities as Sacramento’s best perimeter defender have increased.

De’Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs is guarded by Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on March 07, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

More on Keegan Murray

John believes Keegan Murray remains a valuable two-way player, but he is less confident that the Kings’ original vision for Murray to become a perennial All-Star will come to fruition.

“I do feel less optimistic that he’s going to go there, just from what we’ve seen over the last few years,” John said. “But I’ll tell you this, Matt, Keegan is still going to be somebody out there every night who can affect winning.”

That could be the most important distinction entering the new contract.

Murray may not need to become a primary offensive creator to justify his place in Sacramento’s long-term plans. John believes he can still average 15-18 points while providing elite defensive value.

However, John also pushed back on the idea that Murray’s defensive workload should excuse his offensive regression.

“If you’re an NBA player and you get a contract that Keegan is getting, you’re expected to show up and show out on both ends of the court,” John said.

The Kings are hoping a healthier roster can help. With DeAndre Hunter now available alongside Murray, Sacramento could reduce some of the defensive burden that has fallen on him in recent seasons. Whether that leads to improved shooting remains one of the biggest questions surrounding Keegan Murray.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 30: Keegan Murray poses for a photo during a media day photo shoot at Sacramento Kings Practice Facility on September 30, 2024 in Sacramento, 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 John Todd/Getty Images)

John also believes Murray’s passive demeanor has limited his offensive impact.

“If his energy and his aggressiveness matched his talent level, I think we would be getting a much more efficient and aggressive Keegan,” John said.

For the Kings, unlocking that version of Murray could be critical. He may no longer be viewed as an untouchable future All-Star, but his combination of size, shooting potential and defense still makes him one of Sacramento’s most valuable players.

The next step is figuring out how to maximize him.

Listen to all episodes of Sactown Sports’ The Matt George Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and watch each episode on SactownSports.com, the Sactown Sports app, or the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Zach LaVine has a chance to rebuild his value in Sacramento
• Report: Kings bringing veteran PGs in for workouts
• Potential 2027 NBA Free Agent Targets for the Sacramento Kings
• Maxime Raynaud’s 3-Point shooting could be his ‘golden ticket’ with Kings
• Why Russell Westbrook decided to walk away from the Kings

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for Keegan Murray and the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento will begin training camp in late September as they prepare to begin 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.

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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