SACRAMENTO -- Ready to buy a Patrick Beverley No. 21 Kings jersey? Not so fast.
Despite rumors to the contrary, a league source tells NBC Sports California that the Kings do not intend to chase the Clippers' defensive stalwart when the free agency period opens up Sunday afternoon.
Beverley is a physical player that would instantly improve the toughness of the Kings' roster, but with De'Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic already set to play major minutes in the backcourt this season, fitting in another starting level player would be difficult.
Fox played 31.4 minutes per game last season for the Kings and is expected to see an increase under new head coach Luke Walton. Bogdanovic can run the offense for bursts and the team has other in-house options.
Sacramento has until July 4 to decide on a team option for point guard Yogi Ferrell. The team also has an option on third-year guard Frank Mason, but a decision on his future doesn't have to come until mid-October.
The team also drafted a pair of guards in Justin James and Kyle Guy in the second round. Whether or not either can contribute in their rookie year is unknown.
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Beverly, who turns 31 on July 12, averaged 7.6 points, 3.8 assists and 5.0 rebounds in 27.4 minutes per game last season for the Clippers. But don't let the numbers fool you, his impact on the game goes far beyond the raw digits.
One of the better perimeter defenders in the game, rumors have the guard looking for a three-year deal in the neighborhood of $40 million. That's likely too rich for the Kings blood with their current stable of guards.
If his price comes down, the Kings might revisit Beverley as an option, but for now, it appears the team has other plans.
