URGENT UPDATE: Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray is set to miss the start of the regular season after suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left thumb during a preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. The team confirmed that Murray will undergo surgery and will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks, sidelining him for at least the first 10 games of the season.
This injury comes at a critical juncture in Murray’s career. As he enters his fourth season, he is eligible for a contract extension, with a deadline looming on October 20. If the Kings fail to finalize a deal, Murray could become a restricted free agent next summer, adding pressure to the organization as they navigate his future.
Murray has been a model of consistency, participating in 233 of a possible 246 games during his first three seasons, starting all but two. This UCL injury marks the most significant setback he has faced as a professional. The Kings are counting on Murray’s shooting and defensive skills as they aim for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.
Missing Murray means that the Kings will lose a vital floor spacer, having made 543 career three-pointers and established himself as a versatile defender on the wing. The team’s depth will be tested as they look to adjust without their key player in the opening month of the season.
Head coach Mike Brown will need to consider alternative starters, with veteran forward Dario Saric, guard Malik Monk, fourth-year guard Keon Ellis, and rookie Nique Clifford among the candidates stepping into the starting role. The Kings are expected to rely on their other key players, including Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Dennis Schroder, as they prepare for the upcoming season.
As the Kings face a critical moment in their pursuit of a playoff berth, all eyes will be on how they adapt to this injury and the implications it carries for Murray’s future with the team. Fans and analysts alike are left wondering how this will affect the Kings’ performance and Murray’s potential contract negotiations. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
