News, observations and reader questions about the Sacramento Kings and the NBA.

June 30, 2008

After a day in which the local media acted as if Ron Artest not opting out was the equivalent to Baron Davis signing with the Kings, the small forward has indeed remained.
The deadline came and went and Artest didn't bound into Geoff Petrie's office changing his mind, so he is still a King. Before we get on to the next order of business, I meant to plug KHTK's Carmichael Dave's show. He currently has his unofficial co-host (Artest) on the air . I'm told he will interview newest Kings draft pick Jason Thompson tonight and talk about his decision to stay.
As expected, Beno Udrih was contacted by the Kings just as the official beginning to free agency at 9 p.m. Pacific time on Monday. Per that situation, all signs point to the Kings offering a five-year, full midlevel offer (approximately $6 million per season) that Udrih will now ponder with his other possibilities. If I get any other feedback, I'll share ASAP. Check tomorrow's paper for thoughts from both Udrih's agent, Marc Cornstein, and the agent of secondary point guard possibility Chris Duhon. - Sam Amick