Willie Cauley-Stein says the Kings promised him $80 million. Is that true?

Former Sacramento Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein made a surprising claim about his final season in Sacramento, alleging the organization told him he could earn an $80 million contract if he averaged a double-double before ultimately limiting his fourth-quarter opportunities.

Cauley-Stein made the comments on the Run Your Race podcast, reflecting on the 2018-19 season as he approached unrestricted free agency.

“My last year there, I mean, bro, I’m playing the best basketball I’ve ever played in my life,” Cauley-Stein said. “I’m averaging like a damn near 13 points, eight rebounds, blocks, steals. I mean, I’m all over the place.”

Cauley-Stein claimed there were multiple occasions when he was performing well statistically but didn’t see the floor late in games, something that frustrated him during a pivotal contract year.

“There would be games where I’m in the fourth quarter, and I got like 17 points and six, seven rebounds, and they’re not playing you the fourth quarter,” Cauley-Stein said. “And I’m looking behind at my family, I’m looking down the bench at my position coach. What are we doing?”

DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 23: Joffrey Lauvergne #77 of the Denver Nuggets and Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings battle for rebounding position at Pepsi Center on February 23, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. The Kings defeated the Nuggets 114-110. 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 Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Did the Kings promise Willie Cauley-Stein $80 million?

According to Willie Cauley-Stein, the Kings had communicated that reaching a double-double average could lead to a significant payday.

“The whole time they were telling me, you know, like, if you’re a double-double guy, you’re gonna make $80 mil. We’re gonna give you $80 mil,” he said. “But then not play me the fourth quarter where I can’t get the double-double.”

That allegation prompted Sactown Sports’ Carmichael Dave to reach out to multiple people who were with the Kings around that time. Dave said he spoke with three individuals familiar with the organization, and the response was overwhelmingly skeptical.

“Two of the three reactions were basically, ‘LOL, that’s insane,’” Dave said. “His cheese ain’t on his cracker. No chance that ever happened.”

One source questioned the premise itself, pointing to the financial implications of an $80 million commitment to Cauley-Stein.

“In what world would it benefit us to not play him?” Dave said, paraphrasing the source. “Why would we not want him averaging a double-double? We didn’t sign a contract saying we’ll give you $80 million if you average a double-double. Why would we not want him being a good player? We could have traded him. It’s asinine.”

WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 28: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings looks to pass against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on November 28, 2016 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Willie Cauley-Stein averaged 11.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 58 percent from the field across 81 games in 2018-19.

He ultimately left Sacramento that offseason, signing with the Golden State Warriors in free agency before also spending time in Dallas and Philadelphia through the 2021-22 season.

Dave stopped short of accusing Cauley-Stein of intentionally lying, instead suggesting the seven-year gap may have contributed to a misunderstanding.

“I do not think the Sacramento Kings colluded to prevent them from paying Willie Cauley-Stein an $80 million contract, and I do not think Willie Cauley-Stein is just blatantly lying,” Dave said. “My guess is it’s some sort of loss in translation.”

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

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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 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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