it's false machismo. whether they flex their supposed negotiating muscles or not, the kings have zero bargaining power as a franchise coming off seven straight losing seasons in an undesirable small market. kings fans might not like it, but the team has to wine 'em and dine 'em. they have to roll out the red carpet for free agents, toss big numbers at them, make them feel like their career was meaningless before sacramento entered the picture, and even then, it probably won't be good enough...
it's just the way it is, and no amount of "signals" you send is going to change that. nba players are, by and large, a needy bunch. they want to feel wanted, and if they get the sense that a franchise prefers not to play ball with free agents, why bother negotiating with such a team when they can make millions somewhere else with more amenities? send the message that you intend to keep all free agents at arm's length, and it's just the monta ellis's that will coming knocking on your door, the guys in need of image rehabilitation, who don't have any options...