The Sacramento Kings made their first real move of the offseason, and it’s not the blockbuster trade some fans were hoping for. They agreed to bring back forward Precious Achiuwa on a two-year contract worth roughly $11.5 million, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Achiuwa didn’t start last season with the Kings. He actually got cut by the Miami Heat after training camp and preseason, then signed with Sacramento a couple weeks into the regular season. Now he’s locked in for another two years at a pretty reasonable price.
What Achiuwa brings to the table
Last season was Achiuwa’s best as a pro. He played 73 games, started 57 of them, and averaged 10.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists in a little over 23 minutes a night. He shot 52.8 percent from the field, though his three-point shooting remains a work in progress at 27.8 percent. Free throws were also rough — 55.4 percent.
But for a guy who was taken 20th overall in the 2020 draft and has bounced around a bit, that’s solid production. He gives the Kings some frontcourt depth without breaking the bank, which matters when you’re trying to build around De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
Sacramento’s quiet offseason so far
The Kings haven’t been super active otherwise. Their only other move was trading Devin Carter to the Atlanta Hawks. But there’s buzz about a potential bigger deal. According to reports, the Kings have been linked to Pistons restricted free agent Jalen Duren, with a package centered around Sabonis being floated as possible return in a sign-and-trade. Nothing’s confirmed, and it’s early, but it’s worth watching.
Achiuwa started his career in Miami, then spent time with Toronto and New York before landing in Sacramento. He’s heading into his seventh NBA season, which feels wild considering he’s still only 25. The former Memphis standout has always had the physical tools — length, athleticism, ability to guard multiple positions. The question has always been consistency and skill development.
This deal isn’t going to move the needle nationally. But for a Kings team trying to get back to playoff contention after last season’s letdown, keeping a versatile big man on a team-friendly deal is a solid step. Nothing flashy. Just practical.
Leave a Comment