Laravia “could see going back as an option”

[Tetsujin]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1928166084903133311

 

[Tetsujin]

LaRavia’s energy, defensive chops and adaptability endeared him to Christie, helping them form a strong relationship. After he took over for Mike Brown midseason, the Kings eventually made Christie their official head coach, which enticed LaRavia to target Sacramento as a long-term home.

“Me and Doug [Christie] kind of clicked pretty early, just because he liked the way I play,” LaRavia said. “He likes those energy guys…I thought I had a really good relationship with him.”

From the moment LaRavia stepped on the floor at the Golden 1 Center, he knew the team and the city weren’t like anything he’d experienced before. Even throughout his early struggles, LaRavia felt the support and energy from the team, the city and his coaching staff.

“I had even told [the Kings] in the exit interviews that they gave him the head coaching job, I’d look forward to going back there even more,” LaRavia said.

 

[Tetsujin]

They guys really love playing for Doug apparently lol

 

[The_Jamal]

Major +1 for Doug if he's a big reason LaRavia stays

 

[TheMobb]

I might be too optimistic on him, but if LaRavia develops and takes a leap over the summer what if they promised him a starting spot? He could shoot, defend decently, has good size, and has a great motor. I’d like to see what he could do starting with Sabonis and Keegan.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

Knowing what we know about the restrictions we have on the salary we can offer, and reading "I could see going back there as an option" I'm pretty sure "an option" means "if nobody throws an MLE at me".

 

[pdxKingsFan]

"young contender" pretty much rules us out.

 

[iowamcnabb]

The more I think about it the more I see him ending up in Denver. If I had no bias, that’s where I would sign if I was him.

 

[SacTownKid]

The more I think about it the more I see him ending up in Denver. If I had no bias, that’s where I would sign if I was him.

Yeah, that would actually be a pretty decent fit overall.

 

[SacTownKid]

I might be too optimistic on him, but if LaRavia develops and takes a leap over the summer what if they promised him a starting spot? He could shoot, defend decently, has good size, and has a great motor. I’d like to see what he could do starting with Sabonis and Keegan.

Draft Toohey at 42 and the Kings won't be missing a thing haha.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

I'd like to see Jake back but I"m pretty sure he's gone. Would not at all be surprised to see his defensive replacement in the rotation be Jake LaJaquez.

 

[jiimbob]

I'd like to see Jake back but I"m pretty sure he's gone. Would not at all be surprised to see his defensive replacement in the rotation be Jake LaJaquez.

That all sounds likely, just curious what else Miami includes to work a DeMar deal.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

That all sounds likely, just curious what else Miami includes to work a DeMar deal.

Most likely Robinson as a salary piece, then we would probably want #20. Would be nice to get another future pick or Jovic, but that's unlikely to happen unless there's a DDR bidding war.

 

[TheMobb]

Most likely Robinson as a salary piece, then we would probably want #20. Would be nice to get another future pick or Jovic, but that's unlikely to happen unless there's a DDR bidding war.

There’s some interesting depth pieces they can also throw in. Duncan Robinson is a partial guarantee I believe so it’s possible they waive him. They have some other expirings that could potentially be rotation pieces off the bench - Highsmith, Rozier, Kyle Anderson (I believe he’s 2 years but last year ungtd)

 

[sactowndog]

Knowing what we know about the restrictions we have on the salary we can offer, and reading "I could see going back there as an option" I'm pretty sure "an option" means "if nobody throws an MLE at me".

Do you blame him? Dude only has so long to cash in on his talent. It was just Monte wasting more 2nd rounders.

I’m more focused on and worried about keeping Keon this summer.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

If we let Keon's option go he's a RFA so there is nothing at all to worry about. We control him and we're not going to let him go unless its because there is a trade that makes us better. Which I would hate but probably will be limited in minutes again next year, unfortunately.

 

[coolhandluke]

They guys really love playing for Doug apparently lol

Who wouldn't? Doug is the ultimate glue guy who can connect with anyone.

 

[kingsboi]

go to Denver Jake, fill that Braun role off the bench for them

 

[sactowndog]

If we let Keon's option go he's a RFA so there is nothing at all to worry about. We control him and we're not going to let him go unless its because there is a trade that makes us better. Which I would hate but probably will be limited in minutes again next year, unfortunately.

Depends on what he gets offered in the market. Another team could offer enough we don’t want that much salary at the 2 spot and we could choose to let him walk.

Aka. Buddy and Bogi being a close analogy here. The fact we have Zach makes losing Keon far more likely.

In fairness to Monte it’s clear the LaVine trade was driven by Vivek and was the nail in the coffin. But it’s going to be an ongoing problem.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

Depends on what he gets offered in the market. Another team could offer enough we don’t want that much salary at the 2 spot and we could choose to let him walk.

Aka. Buddy and Bogi being a close analogy here. The fact we have Zach makes losing Keon far more likely.

In fairness to Monte it’s clear the LaVine trade was driven by Vivek and was the nail in the coffin. But it’s going to be an ongoing problem.

I just don't see them letting a player like Keon walk, if they won't use him at a higher pay scale, they'll trade him after the waiting period is over and be able to absorb that into cap.

 

[sactowndog]

I just don't see them letting a player like Keon walk, if they won't use him at a higher pay scale, they'll trade him after the waiting period is over and be able to absorb that into cap.

Might be hard if the team puts in a trade kicker which is what Atlanta did with Bogi.

 

[kingsfan101]

Knowing what we know about the restrictions we have on the salary we can offer, and reading "I could see going back there as an option" I'm pretty sure "an option" means "if nobody throws an MLE at me".

Is it possible for us to offer him a contract with a player option so that he can potentially become a FA and we can sign him to a bigger payday? Risky certainly, but we might not be as restricted in what we can offer him later. Plus, with the new TV deal coming up, salaries would be going up significantly over the next few years. Young guys like Jake would be well served in signing a deal two years down the line than now. A player option gives him the safety of a long term contract, while presenting the opportunity of a bigger payday.

 

[GWD]

"Going back" gives the impression that he is currently "away". In other words, estranged from the Kings.

"Coming back" would indicate that he feels currently a part of the organization.

While subtle, the perspective is significant in his thought process.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

Is it possible for us to offer him a contract with a player option so that he can potentially become a FA and we can sign him to a bigger payday? Risky certainly, but we might not be as restricted in what we can offer him later. Plus, with the new TV deal coming up, salaries would be going up significantly over the next few years. Young guys like Jake would be well served in signing a deal two years down the line than now. A player option gives him the safety of a long term contract, while presenting the opportunity of a bigger payday.

Yes, but the player option can only be one year. Since the salary we can offer is capped pretty low ($5M range) it's probably a given that if he come back he goes for a 1+PO contract, opts out, and then we get a shot to go at him the next year without salary restrictions.