Decisions, decisions. The Sacramento Kings hit a home run when they signed veteran Garrett Temple to a three-year, $24 million contract in the summer of 2016. He's not only the team's best defender, but he's a leader on the court and behind the scenes.
After years of bouncing all over the world trying to keep his NBA dream alive, Temple finally found a place to call home and the financial security to go with it in Sacramento. But at 31-years-old and the NBA clock ticking, Temple has a big decision to make this offseason.
Like big man Kosta Koufos, Temple has a player option for the final year of his contract. He can either opt in at another $8 million dollars or test the free agent market, potentially leaving Sacramento.
"I can see myself finishing my career here, I can definitely see that," Temple told NBC Sports California during The Kings Insider Podcast. "I have a great relationship with the front office. I have a great relationship with the coaching staff, the fans as well."
Temple is off to the best shooting start of his career, knocking down 41.9 percent from long range. He's become the quintessential 3-and-D player that teams around the league are salivating to get their hands on. He would fit on almost any team in the league, including a high-end playoff team.
"I'm a guy who wants to win, so I'm definitely going to weigh my options depending on how this year goes out," Temple said. "But I'm a guy who loves this team. I love these young guys."
NBA players have a shelf life. Temple's might be a little longer than the average player because he has less mileage on his body than a typical player of his age. He's not sure if he can last until 40, like teammate Vince Carter, but he thinks he has five to six years still left in his body.
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"Z-Bo's (Zach Randolph) is 36 I think," Temple said. "I think I can do that. I could be 36 and still out there playing and contributing."
Temple was honored as the Kings' Teammate of the Year for last season. He was also voted as the most media friendly player on Sacramento's roster. He's a player that the Kings would love to keep in the fold as they build a young core for the future.
