The Kings, who made just a third of their 3-point attempts, were among the NBA’s worst shooting teams from beyond the arc last season.
Nik Stauskas should help, though it’s always dangerous relying on a rookie.
Another payer who could have helped – Wayne Ellington, a solid outside shooter who began the summer with the Mavericks – won’t get the chance.
Marc Stein of ESPN:
Sacramento, I'm told, waived Wayne Ellington on Sunday, which was last day teams could apply waive-and-stretch provision to coming season
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) September 1, 2014
Assuming the Kings stretched Ellington – a possibility from the moment they traded for him – his remaining salary will count against the cap twice the number of years remaining on his contract (one) plus one. That’s $923,780 each of the next three seasons.
Though that charge could be burdensome down the road, the window to stretch Ellington was now. This – rather than just waiving Ellington and eating his entire salary this season – gives Sacramento a little more leeway under the luxury tax.
Trading Jason Terry for unguaranteed contracts could also help, but this would just be extra cushion that allows more flexibility throughout this season.