The 2022 NBA Draft sounds like it could really get started when the Sacramento Kings come on the clock with the fourth overall pick. Since they moved up during the lottery, the fourth pick has been one that has been involved in trade rumors.
There are a number of teams looking to move up in the draft. Given their desperation to make the playoffs, as they are riding a 16-year playoff drought, the Kings are in the market for established players to help them break that streak. The No. 4 overall pick can help them in that quest as they should be able to get an excellent package in return.
However, there remains a chance that the Kings make the selection themselves. There are a few players that would instantly upgrade their rotation that will be on the board still regardless of how the top-three picks shake out.
One of those players is Keegan Murray out of Iowa. Jaden Ivey out of Purdue is also garnering a lot of attention to go in the top-four along with Jabari Smith Jr. out of Auburn, Chet Holmgren out of Gonzaga and Paolo Banchero out of Duke.
LATEST NBA DRAFT NEWS AND RUMORS: Latest Intel & NBA Trade Rumors: Kyrie, Collins, Kings, Turner, More
Murray’s ceiling is likely the fourth overall pick, and it sounds like Sacramento is giving him serious consideration. According to Marc Stein on his Substack, the Kings are fans of the Iowa product and are going all out during the pre-draft process.
“The Sacramento Kings — owners of the No. 4 pick — are high on [Keegan] Murray and even arranged for the prospect to have dinner with team stars De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.”
Having dinner with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis shows just how serious the Kings are about potentially selecting Murray. He is squarely in the mix and would be a good fit as they need some help on the wing and forward spots.
LATEST NBA DRAFT NEWS AND RUMORS: Latest Intel & NBA Trade Rumors: Kyrie, Collins, Kings, Turner, More
However, the Sacramento Kings have been a rumored landing spot for Jerami Grant and John Collins as well. So, all of the Keegan Murray interest could be some posturing by the Kings to have teams interested in trading up and selecting him to increase their trade offers.
