Kings general manager Monte McNair was busy in the opening hours of free agency, signing a stack of players to free agent deals, including three contracts for his own free agents.
After inking Richaun Holmes and Terence Davis on Friday, McNair turned to veteran forward Moe Harkless on Saturday. Harkless, who joined the Kings at the trade deadline last year, liked what he saw in Sacramento and returned to the team on a two-year, $9 million contract.
“Moe is a consummate professional with a unique unselfishness that makes our group better,” McNair said in a statement issued by the team. “He provides the team with physical defensive versatility and we are fortunate to have Moe’s leadership and veteran experience.”
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The 28-year-old was impactful on the defensive end for the Kings in his 26-game trial run with the Kings, starting 20 games down the stretch for coach Luke Walton’s squad.
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In his nine seasons in the NBA, Harkless has averaged seven points, 3.6 rebounds and a block in 574 career games. At 6-foot-7, 220 pounds, Harkless is a rangy defender that can play both forward positions.
During his short stint with the Kings last season, Harkless struggled with his 3-point shot, hitting just 24.7 percent from long range on 2.8 attempts per game. He is a career 32% shooter from behind the arc and there is hope he can regain that form and provide another floor spacer for Sacramento this season.
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As the current roster is constructed in Sacramento, Harkless is likely looking at a reserve role coming into the season, but there is still a chance for major player movement with the Kings.
Harkless is an experienced defender, who just three seasons ago started on a Portland Trail Blazers team that made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals. He brings experience and some much needed leadership to the Kings.