Keegan Murray was selected fourth overall in the 2022 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. Murray played for the Iowa Hawkeyes for two seasons, averaging 15.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks per game.
The 22-year-old forward was named the Summer League MVP before making his NBA debut against the LA Clippers. Murray is already a starter for the Kings, averaging 11.7 points and 4.0 rebounds in 28.8 minutes per game. Even though his role is limited, Sacramento are likely happy with their top prospect.
The Kings are one of the most surprising teams in the NBA this season. Led by Domantas Sabonis and De'Aaron Fox, they currently have a record of 25-18. They are third in the Western Conference standings and are on pace to make the playoffs for the first time since 2006.
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Keegan Murray signed his rookie-scale contract with the Sacramento Kings less than two weeks after the draft. According to Spotrac, Murray signed a four-year, $36.4 million deal. He's earning roughly $8 million this season and it will go up to $8.4 million next season.
The Kings have a team option for Year 3 and 4, with Murray eligible to sign a rookie max extension after the 2024-25 season. If the Kings activate their option, Murray has a salary of $8.8 million in his third season and $11.1 million in the fourth year.
And if both sides can't agree on an extension, the Kings can offer Murray a qualifying offer worth $14.7 million. Murray can sign with any team in free agency, but Sacramento can match any offer he receives.
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Keegan Murray named Rookie of the Month for December
Keegan Murray was named the NBA Rookie of the Month for December. Murray averaged 12.7 points and 3.5 rebounds last month, while shooting 46.0% from the field and 46.4% from beyond the arc.
The Iowa product has had some ups and downs this season, which is expected from any NBA rookie. He struggled with his shot early on, but head coach Mike Brown stuck with his rookie and it paid off.
"I mean, you have ups and downs in basketball," Murray said in a postgame interview against the LA Clippers last month. "So to stay the course and keep doing what I do best, I know I'm a really good player. I would say I had a struggle, but my teammates have my back, and they have full confidence in me, so I'm grateful for them."
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