SACRAMENTO -- The NBA’s free agency period can’t get here soon enough for the Kings, who are looking to make a move at center. And it appears they might have narrowed their search to two veterans.
As NBC Sports California reported earlier Friday, the Kings likely will chase five-time All-Star Al Horford in free agency. You now add can big man Dewayne Dedmon to that list as well, as first reported by KHTK’s Carmichael Dave.
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NBC Sports California confirmed through a league source that Sacramento indeed has interest in Dedmon. The 29-year-old center played in 64 games last season with the Hawks and is an unrestricted free agent.
The six-year NBA veteran posted solid numbers last season with Atlanta, averaging 10.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks in 25.1 minutes per game.
In addition to protecting the rim and rebounding, Dedmon shot an impressive 38.2 percent from long range on 6.2 attempts per game. He can run the floor, and would help space the court for De’Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley in Sacramento.
Dedmon has less mileage on his body than Horford and likely would come at a much lower salary than the four-year, $100 million contract the former Celtic probably will garner when NBA free agency opens Sunday at 3 p.m. PT.
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Horford, 33, is a proven winner known for his locker-room presence. Like Dedmon, he is a good defensive player who sets screens and can knock down a shot from the perimeter.
Aside from Horford and Dedmon, there are other front-court options for the Kings.
ESPN's Jordan Schultz reported through league sources Saturday that the Kings, Bulls, Knicks and Nets are interested in free agent Julius Randle, and all are "realistic possibilities" for the former Pelicans forward.
Additionally, ESPN's Royce Young reported through league sources that the Kings are among the teams that have interest in free-agent center Enes Kanter.
With more than $60 million to spend, the Kings are aggressively attacking the market. Be it Horford or Dedmon, they likely will land a player whom they believe is an improvement over their current situation.