Report: Kings agree to sign Bazemore to one-year deal originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
More defense is reportedly heading to Sacramento.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Sunday, citing sources, that free-agent forward Kent Bazemore has agreed to a one-year contract with the Kings.
It will be Bazemore’s second stint with the Kings, having played in Sacramento during the 2019-20 pandemic-shortened NBA season. The Portland Trail Blazers traded Bazemore, Anthony Tolliver and two second-round picks to the Kings for Trevor Ariza, Wenyen Gabriel and Caleb Swanigan in January 2020.
Shortly after the news was reported, Bazemore posted to Twitter and appeared to be excited about getting another chance in Sacramento, where he will play for coach Mike Brown.
Known as a versatile wing defender, Bazemore played limited minutes with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, averaging 3.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 14 minutes per game. The 33-year-old Bazemore has also played for the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks along with the aforementioned Kings, Trail Blazers and Lakers across 10 NBA seasons.
In his first stint with the Kings, Bazemore exclusively came off the bench, averaging 10.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.2 steals in 23 minutes in 25 games played. He also shot 38 percent from the 3-point line as well, showing his propensity to hit from deep when given the opportunity.
RELATED: Kings sign veteran guard Dellavedova to one-year deal
It’s clear Sacramento is prioritizing defense by signing Matthew Dellavedova and agreeing to bring in Bazemore. With more focus on the defensive end, the Kings are hoping that a solid defense can lead them to the playoffs.