In an exclusive report by The Athletic insider Sam Amick on Sactown Sports 1140, it has been revealed that the Sacramento Kings are adamant about keeping their prized 2023 No. 4 pick, Keegan Murray, untouchable in any trade talks. This news has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, as Murray has been making waves with his stellar performances on the court.
According to Amick, the Kings are taking a hard stance on Murray, with the belief that he is a key piece for their future success. “For the Kings right now, my understanding is they’re taking a very, very hard stance on Keegan; that he’s not going anywhere,” said Amick. This statement underscores the high value that the Kings place on Murray and his potential impact on the team.
Murray has certainly made a name for himself with his offensive prowess, regularly putting up big numbers on the scoreboard. He has scored at least 20 points in 31 games, with a standout performance last December when he dropped 47 points and set an NBA record by hitting 12 consecutive 3-pointers in a victory over the Utah Jazz. It’s no wonder that teams like the Jazz are keen on acquiring Murray, given his ability to light up the scoreboard.
As an exceptional outside shooter who is gaining confidence in his off-the-dribble scoring, Murray has drawn comparisons to Lauri Markkanen. Like Markkanen, Murray’s development has not followed a linear path. He experienced a dip in his 3-point shooting percentage in his second season, but showed improvement in other areas.
One area where Murray has shown growth is in his ability to knock down 3-pointers in late shot clock situations. In the 2022-23 season, he shot 41.7 percent from beyond the arc with 15-17 seconds left on the shot clock, and 50.0 percent with 4-7 seconds remaining. When faced with tight defense, he still managed to connect on 38.9 percent of his long-range attempts. These numbers highlight Murray’s versatility and ability to score in a variety of situations.
With Murray’s star potential shining bright, it’s clear why the Kings are unwilling to entertain any trade offers for him. As they look towards the future, they see Murray as a cornerstone of their franchise and a player who can help lead them to success. For now, it seems that Murray is truly “not going anywhere” and will continue to make waves in Sacramento for years to come.