It appears Ben McLemore will be a restricted free agent, next summer. According to ESPN’s Chris Haynes, the Kings’ shooting guard has not been able to reach a deal for an extension to stay in Sacramento long-term. It does not seem like that agreement will be reached before the October 31 deadline.
If McLemore does not sign an extension with the Kings before the aforementioned deadline, he will enter into restricted free agency. That will allow him to seek other teams, but Sacramento will have the right to match any offer for the shooting guard.
This news adds more evidence to the overwhelming consensus that McLemore will not be in Sacramento a year from now. The former seventh overall pick has not lived up to expectations during his short career. As a result, he has often seem himself in the middle of trade rumors.
Last week, it was rumored that the Bucks had reached out to Sacramento for a trade revolving around McLemore and Michael Carter-Williams. However, that ship sailed when MCW was traded to the Bulls, instead.
Nevertheless, Ben McLemore is bound to be featured in many trade rumors this season, again. If he finally reaches his expectations, he can become a solid 3-and-D player. That has not happened in Sacramento, though much of the blame can be placed on the tumult surrounding the franchise as a whole.
Either way, there is a high chance that McLemore will not be on the Kings for more than one more season.
