Report: Kings Picking Up Options on Young Core Trio

The Sacramento Kings have one of the most underrated young cores in the NBA, led by All-Stars G De'Aaron Fox, 25, and C Domantas Sabonis, 27. While Sacramento does not have the draft capital that other rising teams may have, their young talent is elite.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports that the Kings are picking up the third-year option of F Keegan Murray and the fourth-year options of G Davion Mitchell and G Chris Duarte.

As expected, the Sacramento Kings are picking up the third year option on forward Keegan Murray and fourth years on guards Davion Mitchell and Chris Duarte, sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 21, 2023

Murray, 23, is entering his sophomore season following a record-breaking rookie year. The young forward has catapulted himself into a rising star category, with expected improvements yet to come.

While Murray was most dangerous from beyond the arc in his first year, there has been noise around his off-season leap as a three-level scorer. With an improved ball handle and playmaking ability, the Kings could have a future All-Star on their hands. Murray is now locked into Sacramento past the 2024-25 season.

Mitchell, 25, is recognized as one of the best backup point guards and perimeter defenders in the NBA. Despite offensive struggles, Mitchell is valuable to a Kings squad that relies on any defensive help they can get.

After reports of off-season improvements with his jump shot, Mitchell is expected to take a third-year leap, as the Kings need his help now more than ever. Looking to make a championship run, Sacramento needs their second-unit point guard to step up.

Duarte, 26, is entering his third season but has limited experience. After falling out of the Indiana Pacers rotation last season, the Kings acquired the young wing via trade. Duarte is now expected to make more of an impact in Sacramento than fans initially thought, as preseason action has given the Kings hope of his untapped potential.

Duarte's two-way presence could put him into the starting lineup this season, as his best years are still to come. Duarte and Mitchell are both now locked in until 2025 as Sacramento secures its young core for the next few years.

Follow Inside The Kings on Facebook and X.

Subscribe on YouTube for breaking Kings news videos and live-stream podcasts!