Kings’ Keegan Murray to miss opening weeks after left thumb UCL tear
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Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray will be sidelined at least the first month of the 2025-26 season after tearing the ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb, the team said Saturday.
The injury occurred during Friday night’s preseason loss in Portland. According to the club, the 24-year-old will undergo surgery and is expected to be re-evaluated in four to six weeks, a timetable that would keep him out for a minimum of 10 regular-season games.
Murray enters his fourth NBA season eligible for a rookie-scale contract extension, with an Oct. 20 deadline to reach an agreement. If no deal is struck, he would become a restricted free agent next summer.
Durability has been a hallmark of Murray’s career to date; he has appeared in 233 of 246 possible games and started all but two since being drafted. This thumb injury is the most significant setback he has faced as a professional.
The former No. 4 overall pick had been penciled in as Sacramento’s starting power forward for a roster aiming to contend for a Western Conference playoff spot. He has made 543 career three-pointers and is considered the Kings’ most reliable wing defender.
Head coach Mike Brown will look to veterans Dario Šarić and Malik Monk, fourth-year guard Keon Ellis, and rookie Nique Clifford as potential replacements in the starting lineup. Dennis Schröder, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis are expected to fill the other four starting spots.
Source: ESPN
