Kings don't offer extension to Greivis Vasquez
The Sacramento Kings aren't offering a contract extension to point guard Greivis Vasquez before Thursday's deadline, but Vasquez expects to re-sign with the team after the season.
The Kings informed Vasquez and forward Patrick Patterson on Thursday that they won't land extensions before the midnight ET deadline, making them restricted free agents in the summer, sources told Yahoo Sports. Sacramento also told guard Jimmer Fredette it is declining his $3.1 million contract option for the 2014-15 season, which will make him an unrestricted free agent.
"I'm just going to focus on the season and helping the team win," Vasquez told Yahoo! Sports. "If I do my job, help us win and change the culture, everything will be fine. I want to stay here. I love everything about Sacramento and want to be here.
"I can't control the contract, but I can control how I play night in and night out. Hopefully everything works out with the Kings and I'm confident it will."
The Kings acquired Vasquez and two second-round picks from the New Orleans Pelicans for swingman Tyreke Evans on July 4. The move was the first big trade by new Kings general manager Pete D'Allesandro. Vasquez averaged career-highs of 13.9 points and nine assists with the New Orleans Hornets last season.
The Kings held off signing Vasquez to a long-term deal now in large part because they want to take a stronger look at his ankle following offseason surgery, a source said. Vasquez says his ankle is completely healed. He looked fine in the Kings' season-opening victory against the Denver Nuggets when he had 17 points and four assists in 36 minutes.
[Yahoo Sports Fantasy Basketball: Create or join a league in seconds]
"I just got traded here and they have a new coach, GM and owner," Vasquez said. "I understand that they are not in a rush, but I'm sure everything will work out and I want to stay."
Fredette was the 10th player selected in the 2011 NBA draft by the previous Kings regime, picked over Klay Thompson and Kawhi Leonard. Fredette averaged 7.3 points in 16.2 minutes in his first two seasons with Sacramento, but did not play in Wednesday's opener.
"This is a business decision for the Kings and they are doing what they believe is best for the organization," Fredette said. "I will continue to work hard and be the best I can be moving forward in my career."
