Kings Face Tough Decisions on Top Free Agents

Ranking Sacramento's top offseason priorities, from Precious Achiuwa to Russell Westbrook

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or competition, with overlapping planes of royal blue, bright orange, and deep purple shapes, conveying the complex decisions facing the Sacramento Kings this offseason.The Kings' offseason decisions will determine the team's path forward, with a mix of young talent and veteran leadership.Washington Today

As the Sacramento Kings' disappointing 2025-26 season winds down, the team must make crucial decisions on its top free agents this offseason. The list includes veteran leaders like Russell Westbrook and Doug McDermott, as well as breakout contributors like Precious Achiuwa and Daeqwon Plowden. The Kings will have to weigh the value these players bring both on and off the court as they look to retool their roster for next season.

Why it matters

The Kings' free agent decisions this summer will shape the direction of the franchise. Retaining key contributors like Achiuwa could help the team build around its young core, while bringing back veterans like Westbrook provides leadership but may limit roster flexibility. How Sacramento navigates this offseason will be crucial to the team's long-term outlook.

The details

The Kings have nine players under contract for next season, leaving several key rotation pieces as free agents. Headlining the list is Precious Achiuwa, who emerged as an ideal frontcourt partner for rookie center Maxime Raynaud, averaging 10.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. However, Achiuwa's strong play may price him out of Sacramento's range. Veteran guard Russell Westbrook and forward Doug McDermott also hit free agency, providing veteran leadership but uncertain futures. Two-way player Daeqwon Plowden has been a surprise contributor and could earn a standard NBA deal, while Killian Hayes has a team option that the Kings may look to exercise.

  • The Kings' 2025-26 season is nearing its end.
  • Free agency begins on July 1, 2026.

The players

Precious Achiuwa

A 26-year-old forward who emerged as a key contributor for the Kings this season, averaging 10.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.

Russell Westbrook

A 37-year-old veteran guard who signed a one-year deal with the Kings and provided valuable leadership, though his future is uncertain.

Doug McDermott

A veteran forward who has been a low-impact player for the Kings but is praised by head coach Doug Christie for his professionalism and mentorship of younger players.

Daeqwon Plowden

A 27-year-old two-way player who has been a surprising contributor for the Kings, averaging 15.4 points and 4.1 rebounds in extended minutes.

Killian Hayes

A 24-year-old guard who the Kings signed to a pair of 10-day contracts and then a standard deal, and who has a team option for next season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Just having him around and understanding who he is and what he brings is huge. When I was asked about him, I said, 'I would love to have Doug back,' because he is a true professional. He takes his craft serious. He's a fantastic teammate, and in many ways, a coach's dream. The more we can have that type of spirit and mentality, it just helps. It helps the young players, the locker room, and the coaching staff.”

— Doug Christie, Kings Head Coach

What’s next

The Kings will have to weigh the value each free agent brings to the team and decide which players to prioritize retaining this offseason as they look to build around their young core.

The takeaway

The Kings' free agent decisions this summer will be crucial in shaping the direction of the franchise. Retaining key contributors like Precious Achiuwa could help the team build for the future, while bringing back veterans like Russell Westbrook provides leadership but may limit roster flexibility. How Sacramento navigates this offseason will be pivotal to the team's long-term outlook.