Why the Kings’ Recent Roster Shift Might Lead To Something Bigger

The Sacramento Kings reportedly waived the squad's newest member, Filip Petrusev, just three weeks after the Kings acquired him from the Los Angeles Clippers. While the roster change might seem insignificant, it could have worthwhile consequences for Sacramento.

With Petrusev getting waived, the Kings move down to 17 rostered players, including three two-way contracts. The move leaves one roster spot available for the Kings, with three prominent options for Sacramento:

Convert Keon Ellis to a Standard Contract

The first and most likely option for the Kings' open roster spot will be to convert G Keon Ellis from a two-way to a standard contract. When All-Star G De'Aaron Fox was sidelined due to injury, Ellis stepped up, leading the Kings to a 2-0 record as the starting point guard.

Ellis has since earned the backup point guard role with Fox back on the court but has missed the past three games with an ankle injury. Ellis' impact does not show in the box score, but his defensive intensity and athleticism are traits that Kings HC Mike Brown values.

The waiving of Petrusev is vital to the Kings' season because it opens the door for Ellis to be a full-time team member. As a two-way player, Ellis is restricted to just 50 appearances for Sacramento and cannot play in the playoffs. If Ellis is converted to a standard contract, those restrictions disappear, and Ellis can continue to make a difference off the bench.

Explore the Free Agency Market

Another path the Kings can take with the open roster spot is signing a free agent. While this is an unlikely option, there are multiple free agents available that could come to a contending team and make a difference.

Some notable free agents still on the market include G Danny Green, G Kemba Walker, G Terence Davis, C Montrezl Harrell, and F Stanley Johnson. The Kings will likely not take a chance on any of these guys, but any one of them could come in and make a difference for a Sacramento squad trying to get to the next level.

Retain Roster Flexibility

The final option for the Kings would be to keep the roster spot open. This is more likely than signing a free agent, as it gives them roster flexibility for the rest of the season. 

If the Kings do not want to be tied down to Ellis or a free agent for the remainder of the year, they will keep the roster spot open in case any other moves become available. If the Kings do not plan on converting Ellis' contract, this move is likely made to prepare for a possible trade.

Expect the Kings to sign Ellis to a standard NBA contract, but keep minds open to other possible moves.