SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Kings forward Keegan Murray has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb and will undergo surgery, the team announced. The injury occurred late in the second quarter of Friday’s preseason game against Portland. Murray will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks.
The timing comes just days before the Oct. 20 deadline for a rookie-scale extension. Sacramento’s 2022 No. 4 overall pick has started regularly since entering the league, posting career averages of 12.4 points and 4.6 rebounds while emerging as a dependable two-way option.
With Murray sidelined, rookie Nique Clifford finished Friday’s contest. Coach Doug Christie could expand minutes for Dario Šarić, Doug McDermott, Malik Monk and Keon Ellis as he tests preseason lineups.
Bulls: No Extension Talks for Dalen Terry
In Chicago, guard-forward Dalen Terry appears headed into his fourth NBA season without a new contract. The Chicago Sun-Times reported there have been no serious extension discussions between the 23-year-old and the Bulls. Terry is set to earn $5.4 million in the final year of his deal.
Chicago could keep him next summer with a qualifying offer, though that may hinge on an expanded role. “I got drafted to be like AC — guard, do all the little things, be a connector,” Terry told the newspaper, referencing former teammate Alex Caruso. “I have to hang my hat on defense.”
Mavericks: Dante Exum Sidelined by Knee Pain
Dante Exum remains out of Dallas’ lineup while managing right-knee pain that has already cost him two preseason games. Coach Jason Kidd said the club is approaching the 30-year-old guard’s status with a long-term view.
Exum appeared in just 20 games last season because of wrist and hand issues. Re-signed to a one-year deal this summer, he was expected to bolster the backcourt while Kyrie Irving recovers from a torn ACL. Should Exum’s absence continue, Dalano Banton or Dennis Smith Jr. could work into a roster spot.
Source: Hoops Wire
