Sacramento Kings: 5 free agents to consider in 2019

NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 19: Nikola Mirotic #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on October 19, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

2 of 6

Hector Amezcua/Sacramento Bee/TNS via Getty Images /

Willie Cauley Stein: Center (RFA) — Sacramento Kings

Had his rookie deal ended last year, the Kings wouldn’t have to sign him as badly as they do now. In the midst of his breakout season, Willie Cauley-Stein is scoring 13.9 points and grabbing 8.5 rebounds per game. His defense and athleticism give him the ability to get stops on one end and makes him a lob threat on the other.

With his young age, along with the improvement he’s shown this season, it is reasonable to expect other teams might throw him a big offer this summer, in the hopes he accepts and the Kings will have to decide how much they’re willing to spend on him.

If another team gives Cauley-Stein a max contract offer, the Kings likely wouldn’t (and shouldn’t) match. WCS has been great, but for max money, they could bring in a definitive improvement. Last summer, the Kings offered Zach LaVine a four-year, $78 million contract and forced the Bulls to match the offer in order to keep him. Look for another team to do something similar.

Another team could offer WCS something in the range of a four-year, $72 million contract. If he receives an offer for that amount or lower, the Kings should match, but if his price rises too high, they might be better suited in looking at alternative options.

In the end, I do see Cauley-Stein re-signing with the Kings, as he is likely their top priority come July 1.

Home/Sacramento Kings