The Sacramento Kings haven’t had much to celebrate this season, but there’s a glimmer of good news on the horizon: Keegan Murray is working his way back. The fourth-year forward, who’s battled injuries all season, has been cleared for on-court contact as he rehabs a moderate left ankle sprain. He’ll be re-evaluated in two weeks, which means he’ll miss at least five more games-but the Kings are hoping his return can help stabilize a team that’s been searching for consistency.
Murray’s 2025-26 campaign has been anything but smooth. After tearing the UCL in his left thumb during the preseason, he missed the first 15 games.
Since returning, he’s appeared in 19 of the team’s next 21 contests, averaging 14.6 points and 6.1 rebounds. Those numbers are solid, but Murray hasn’t looked quite like himself.
His shooting has dipped to career lows-just 42.9% from the field and 27.2% from three on nearly five attempts per game. That’s a steep drop for a player known for his perimeter touch and offensive efficiency.
But context matters. The Kings are in the middle of a brutal season, sitting at 12-39-dead last in the NBA standings.
Struggles have been widespread across the roster, and Murray’s dip in production is part of a broader team-wide funk. Still, Sacramento has been slightly more competitive when he’s been on the floor.
The team is 4-15 with Murray active, compared to 8-24 without him. Not exactly a dramatic swing, but enough to suggest his presence makes a difference.
Now, the timing of his return looms large-especially with the trade deadline just a day away. The Kings already made a move, bringing in forward De’Andre Hunter, and the potential of pairing Murray with Hunter has fans and coaches alike intrigued. Head coach Doug Christie, who’s navigating his first season at the helm, spoke after Tuesday’s practice about what that duo could bring.
“I think both of their size and athleticism allow you to guard across the board,” Christie said. “They can switch if there’s a matchup you like, and [Hunter’s] ability to guard can keep kicking at the small forward position.”
But Christie didn’t stop there. He lit up when talking about the potential synergy between the two wings.
“I’m just excited to see them together. You’ve got two long wings, both can shoot, both can guard one through five.
They rebound, they cut, they hit the mid-range, and they both play the right way-for the right reasons. They’re team-first guys.
They move the ball, they move without it. When we talk about next actions, about crashing the glass, they do all the little things that lead to winning.
Both of them do.”
That’s the kind of versatility and two-way commitment Sacramento has been missing. With Murray nearing a return and Hunter now in the mix, the Kings will get a clearer picture of what this roster might look like moving forward. And with general manager Scott Perry still active ahead of the deadline, more changes could be on the way.
But no matter what deals get done, getting Keegan Murray back on the court is a step in the right direction. He’s a foundational piece for this franchise, and the Kings need to see how he fits alongside new additions if they want to start building toward something more sustainable.
Here’s what the next stretch looks like for Sacramento as they await Murray’s return:
Upcoming Kings Games (2025-26 Season):
- Wednesday, Feb. 4 - vs.
Memphis Grizzlies - 7:00 PM PT
- Friday, Feb. 6 - vs.
Los Angeles Clippers - 7:00 PM PT
- Saturday, Feb. 7 - vs.
Cleveland Cavaliers - 7:00 PM PT
- **Monday, Feb.
9** - @ New Orleans Pelicans - 5:00 PM PT
- **Wednesday, Feb.
11** - @ Utah Jazz - 6:00 PM PT
This stretch won’t be easy, but if Murray can return soon-and if the Hunter-Murray pairing lives up to its potential-the Kings might finally start laying the groundwork for a brighter future.