Day two of free agency wrapped up, and things aren’t looking much better for the Sacramento Kings. According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, Free agent off-guard Wesley Matthews told the Kings he’s unlikely to accept their offer of three years at $45 million.
Wes Matthews Latest: ESPN sources say Matthews' camp has notified Kings he's unlikely to take their offer, making Dallas even more likely
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 3, 2015
This isn’t necessarily damning for the Kings. While it may be somewhat indicative of the toxic nature of their franchise, it’s also important to remember that Matthews is being courted by the Dallas Mavericks, whom have a better (or at least more experienced) owner, a bigger market, and face less punitive taxes. The Mavericks also give Matthews a better chance of competing for a title. Still, it doesn’t look great for the Kings. Matthews is coming off an Achilles’ tendon tear, one of the worst injuries possible for a basketball player. Yet, the Kings offered him a contract that would pay him over $15 million per year, and Matthews still turned them down.
This is a perfect microcosm for the Kings, who were turned down by Monta Ellis earlier today. The score-first two-guard signed with the Pacers for four years and $44 million even though the Kings offered the same number of years and $48 million.
