NBA Free Agency 2013: Sacramento Kings Could Match Tyreke Evans’ Offer Sheet
By Bryan Rose
Earlier today it was reported that Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans would be presented an offer sheet from the New Orleans Pelicans in the range for $44-$48 million dollars for four years of service.
The sheet hasn’t even been signed yet, but that hasn’t stopped the Kings brass from suggesting they may match it.
Per Sam Amick:
"Evans has serious interest in signing with the Pelicans, and will likely agree to sign the deal if the Kings tell him later today in their meeting in Los Angeles that they will not match. Owner Vivek Ranadive, general manager Pete D’Alessandro and coach Michael Malone are expected to take part in the meeting, and a person with knowledge of the Kings’ thinking said they are considering matching the offer if he agrees to sign it. Evans is visiting with the Detroit Pistons before seeing the Kings."
Of course, it could be nothing more than the Kings brass attempting to scare the Pelicans into a sign and trade, something they may prefer anyway.
Currently, the Pelicans don’t have enough room under the salary cap to sign Evans so it’s likely they would either need to renounce the rights to some of their own free agents and/or make another roster move. Some have suggested that they are exploring trade options for big man Robin Lopez to make the offer.