Doug McDermott Returns to Kings: Why Sacramento Re-Signed the Sharpshooter

By Edcel Panganiban July 24, 2025 12:25

The Sacramento Kings are bringing back veteran sharpshooter Doug McDermott, agreeing to a one-year, $3.6 million deal for the 2025-26 NBA season . This move signals the Kings' intent to maintain their offensive identity and bolster their perimeter shooting with a familiar face .

McDermott, who will be entering his 12th NBA season, spent the 2024-25 campaign with the Kings, appearing in 42 games . Though his playing time was limited, averaging a career-low 8.1 minutes per contest, he proved to be an incredibly efficient shooter . McDermott shot an impressive 43.6% from beyond the arc and 47.2% from the field, averaging 3.5 points per game . This strong three-point percentage highlights his value as an off-ball threat who can stretch the floor .

The $3.6 million contract is the veteran's minimum for a player with more than 10 years of experience, making it a financially astute move for the Kings . This agreement fills the 15th spot on Sacramento's standard roster .

Why Sacramento Re-Signed the Sharpshooter

Elite Three-Point Shooting: McDermott's primary value lies in his consistent and high-volume three-point shooting . In a league increasingly driven by perimeter offense, having a reliable shooter who demands defensive attention helps space the floor for star players and creates driving lanes . His 43.6% from three last season was a significant factor in his return .
Off-Ball Movement and Spacing: Beyond just hitting shots, McDermott is known for his intelligent off-ball movement and cutting ability . This knack for finding open spaces without the ball complements the Kings' offensive system, which often relies on ball movement and player motion to generate scoring opportunities.
Veteran Presence: As an 11-year veteran who has played for eight different NBA teams, McDermott brings a wealth of experience to the Kings' locker room . His understanding of various systems and his professional approach can be invaluable for a team looking to consistently compete in the Western Conference.
Familiarity with the System: Having played 42 games for the Kings last season, McDermott is already familiar with coach Mike Brown's schemes and his teammates . This continuity reduces the time needed for integration and allows him to contribute immediately without a significant learning curve.

While McDermott's role might remain limited in terms of minutes, his specific skill set is highly coveted. As Yahoo Sports reported, "McDermott adds another dimension to Sacramento's perimeter shooting" . He remains a player who needs to be accounted for on offense .

McDermott's best season came in 2020-21 with the Indiana Pacers, where he averaged 13.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists . While he's no longer expected to be a primary scorer, his current role as an efficient, floor-spacing wing fits the Kings' needs perfectly.

The re-signing of Doug McDermott underscores the Sacramento Kings' commitment to maintaining their offensive identity and providing crucial spacing for their core players. For a team aiming to make a deeper playoff run, having a veteran sharpshooter like McDermott on a team-friendly deal is a smart and strategic move.