The Kings are taking care of some busy work as we approach the end of the season. Damian Jones landed a new contract on Tuesday, and on Wednesday morning, another young player got a new deal.
Sacramento announced that two-way big man Chimezie Metu signed a new contract with the Kings. According to a league source, the three-year deal is not a conversion of his two-way contract.
After spending two seasons in the San Antonio Spurs organization, Metu, 24, has made the most of his opportunity with then Kings this season. Due to coronavirus protocols and a lack of a regular G League season, two-way players are allowed to stay with the parent team all year, which has allowed Metu to not only suit up, but work with the coaching and training staffs in Sacramento.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
“Chimezie has worked hard this season and done a terrific job to earn his place on the team,” general manager Monte McNair said in a prepared statement. “He provides toughness and energy to the group. We are happy to watch his career develop in a Kings uniform.”
Metu is averaging 5.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 10.1 minutes per game. He missed time this season with a broken wrist, but he has found a niche in coach Luke Walton's rotation down the stretch of the season as an energy big off the bench.
To make room for Metu on the main roster, the Kings announced that they officially waived Chris Silva.
RELATED: 2021 NBA mock draft 5.0: First-round picks for all 30 teams
NBA
In addition to Metu's signing, the Kings also made Jones' contract official. After signing a pair of 10-day contracts with the Kings, the 25-year-old center earned a two-year deal with the team.
“Damian provides a defensive presence and has fit in nicely with our group,” said McNair via press release. “We are excited to see his continued growth in Sacramento.”
Metu and Jones are both young and play with an energy and force the Kings are looking for. They are also very affordable pieces moving forward as the Kings attempt to build out their roster.
With these transaction, the Kings' roster now stands at 16 players with 15 regular contracts and one two-way player in Kyle Guy. They have an opportunity to sign another two-way contract down the stretch of the season if there is a player that they have interest in, but due to health and safety protocols, it's unlikely they will get a player through the signing process and onto the court with only 11 games remaining in the season.