First-year Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry said he is committed to building a “sustainable winner” despite a 8-25 start that ranks second-worst in the Western Conference.
In an interview with Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Perry acknowledged the club’s steep climb after reaching the playoffs only once since 2007 and emphasized that he will not sacrifice the future for short-term fixes.
Approach to the trade deadline
With five weeks remaining before the deadline, Perry plans to field calls on several veterans who could draw interest — DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schröder among them — but said no player has been guaranteed a move.
“I’m always going to work the phones,” he told Andscape. “It’s got to make sense for us, both short and long term. I’m not somebody who does things out of panic.”
Focus on long-term growth
Perry said ownership shares his view that lasting success takes time. “Once you become a playoff team you can stay there for a while,” he noted, adding that quick fixes rarely translate into enduring results.
Rookies showing promise
Second-round pick Maxime Raynaud has impressed since moving into the starting lineup after Domantas Sabonis underwent meniscus surgery. First-rounder Nique Clifford is logging steady rotation minutes, and two-way center Dylan Cardwell has provided reliable depth. Perry described all three as “very hard workers with very good basketball IQs.”
Investment in Keegan Murray
The front office extended forward Keegan Murray for five years and $140 million in October. Perry called the 25-year-old a key piece because of his size, versatility and commitment, noting that Murray guards positions from point guard to center while maintaining a proven outside shot despite a dip this season after missing the first month.
“You need high-character, versatile two-way players — as many as you can get,” Perry said. “He’s a very important part of establishing that sustainable winning.”
Sacramento is currently on pace for the worst record in franchise history, but Perry reiterated that every decision will prioritize building a foundation capable of long-term success.
Source: HoopsRumors
