The Sacramento Kings have no shortage of offseason questions, but one storyline has quickly climbed the priority list: what to do with forward Precious Achiuwa after a breakout campaign this season.
On Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show, Matt George and Kayla Anderson made it clear—Achiuwa’s emergence isn’t just a feel-good story, it’s becoming a roster-defining decision.
“This is a very Precious Achiuwa-specific conversation,” George said. “I think Precious has been one of the best stories in the NBA this season, and it hasn’t gotten nearly enough credit.”
That lack of national attention could actually benefit the Sacramento Kings—at least in theory. George joked that he’d love it if the rest of the league undervalued Achiuwa as “just putting up meaningless numbers on a terrible team,” adding, “Go ahead, so the Kings can bring him back on $5 million a year.”
But Anderson quickly pushed back on that idea.
“I don’t think that’s gonna happen,” she said. “Teams are very aware of what he’s doing.”
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
More on Precious Achiuwa
Precious Achiuwa’s impact has been undeniable for a Sacramento team that has been decimated by injuries, especially to its frontcourt.
Signed early in the regular season after Keegan Murray went down with a wrist injury (followed by two absences that were due to ankle injuries), he stepped into a starting role almost immediately and never looked back.
He’s started over 50 games and, according to Anderson, has been “one of the most consistent starters the Kings have had. It’s him and DeMar DeRozan.”
Over 68 games (52 starts), the 26-year-old forward holds averages of 9.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game (all career-highs) while shooting 53 percent from the field.
What makes his rise even more remarkable is how it started.
“Precious Achiuwa plays like a guy that was on his couch not knowing when the next opportunity was going to come,” George said. “And he’s gone above and beyond ‘to infinity and beyond.’”
Now, the Sacramento Kings must decide how badly they want to keep him—and whether they even can.
Achiuwa is currently on a minimum deal, but both hosts agree that’s changing.
“He ain’t signing a league minimum contract next year. Heck no,” George said, estimating a floor of around $5 million annually.
The challenge? Sacramento’s salary cap situation.
The Kings already have nine players under contract, consuming nearly all available cap space. Big-money deals for stars like Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis leave little flexibility, making even a modest deal for Achiuwa complicated.
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Murray’s rookie-scale contract will also change come this summer after the forward signed a five-year, $140 million extension earlier this season.
“It all comes back to the veteran contracts,” Anderson explained. “Something has to happen… or we’re going to keep having these same issues.”
George echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that front office decisions come first.
“Scott Perry can’t really do anything significant… without addressing that veteran contract situation,” he said.
There’s also a basketball question: what is Achiuwa’s long-term potential? A starter, or a high-level bench piece?
“In my mind, he’s a sixth or seventh man,” George admitted. “But if I’m paying $5 million for a really good sixth or seventh man, I’m good with that.”
Ultimately, this is the balancing act facing the Sacramento Kings.
Precious Achiuwa wants to stay. The team likely wants him back. But with financial constraints tightening, keeping one of their best stories may require difficult—and potentially franchise-shaping—moves this summer.
Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.
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When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
The Sacramento Kings will conclude a two-game homestand on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Sacramento is 2-1 against the Clippers this season, as the Kings delivered a stunning 118-109 win against Los Angeles on the road during a matchup between the two Pacific Division foes on March 14th.
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Clippers action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 4:30 PM PT on Game Night before a 6:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Sacramento.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Sunday, April 5th vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 6:00 PM PT
Tuesday, April 7th @ Golden State Warriors – 7:00 PM PT
Friday, April 10th vs. Golden State Warriors – 7:00 PM PT
Sunday, April 12th @ Portland Trail Blazers – 5:30 PM PT (End of season)
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