Sacramento Kings: Grading their signings in NBA free agency

Sacramento Kings’ free agent signing No. 5: Maurice Harkless

After playing 11 games for the Miami Heat last season, Maurice Harkless was traded with Chris Silva to the Kings for Nemanja Bjelica. While there was not much difference between the two offensively, Harkless is a much better defender.

The other benefit for the Kings is that Harkless is five years younger. He is going to turn 28 during the coming season where Bjelica is going to be 33 years old. This fits the Kings timeline a lot better as most of their core is under 30 years old, with seven players under 25.

Harkless has also signed a two-year deal with the Kings. He is going to average $4.4 million a season which again keeps the Kings salary cap from feeling too much pressure. Harkless will also be a good piece if the Kings need to make a trade throughout the season.

Harkless is also a really good size to play either wing position where the only other player who can really do that is Barnes. This gives coach Walton some more flexibility with his lineups. This is going to be one of the keys moving forward for the Kings as they try to move into the playoffs in the incredibly competitive Western Conference.

Grade: B