The Sacramento Kings faced off against the Utah Jazz at the Golden 1 Center on December 16, 2023. If you are not up to date with what’s happening on the hardwood, then here’s the update. The 2022 round 1, 4th overall draft pick, star forward of the Sacramento Kings is no longer to be admitted in the trade talks.
While the Toronto Raptors are showcasing exceeding interest in Keegan Murray, the Kings seem adamant about their reluctance to trade him. After all, the 3-point shooter has been ruling headlines ever since. In tonight’s game against the Utah Jazz, the small forward has scored 12-of-15 3-pointers in his 36 minutes on the court.
45 PTS WITH 12 THREES FOR KEEGAN MURRAY 🤯 pic.twitter.com/3lw5dPYkeY
— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 17, 2023
What’s astonishing is that Stephen Curry scored a massive 13 3-pointers in the Golden State Warriors’ 116-106 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on November 7, 2016. However, Keegan Murray has done it in his second season in the league. The forward is just two 3s away from making history; however, for the Kings, Murray is a pioneer in achieving this tally.
Scoring 47 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists, the player made 16-of-23 field goals and two steals. While he helped the franchise win it tonight against the Jazz, 125-104, the team’s front office has done its part in shutting down the trade rumors. Keegan Murray-laden Kings are 14-9 and No. 5 seed in the Western Conference after the recent win.
The Sacramento Kings have halted Keegan Murray trade rumors
The No. 4 overall draft pick of 2022 ruled the headlines in the 2023 summer as well. Beating the NBA All-Time Single-Season 3-point record for rookies set by Donovan Mitchell in 2017-18, Keegan Murray surpassed it by one more 3-pointer. The Kings are riding on a strong wave this season with a dominant high-efficacy play-finisher and an on-ball defender.
While the franchise hopes to build on last season’s success, the Kings’ general manager and assistant general manager are planning to build a core team around Murray. Furthermore, the Raptors are planning to trade in Murray in exchange for Anunoby and Saikam, as per Jake Fischer. However, GM Monte McNair doesn’t seem to approve of the decision.
The 23-year-old is averaging 13.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals this season. Although the shooting percentage has fallen, the elite defender seems to be the most versatile player on the roster. Keegan Murray was an All-Rookie First-Team selection last season after averaging 12.2 points. Tonight’s 3-point shooting just amplifies his portfolio as a forward.
Settling into his new role as a wing defender, the player seems to have created a wave among the NBA veterans after hitting 12 three-pointers. Just one win away from Curry’s record, the forward has a long way to go.