Kings extend Keegan Murray 5-year deal; out after left thumb surgery

The Sacramento Kings on Wednesday locked up a key young player and revealed a setback that will keep him out of the early part of the season. Forward Keegan Murray agreed to a five-year, $140 million rookie-scale contract extension that will keep him with the franchise through the 2030-31 season, his agents said, and on Monday he underwent surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb. Team medical staff said he will be reevaluated in four to six weeks, a window that makes him likely to miss at least the first 10 regular-season games.

Murray, a 6-foot-8 wing and the No. 4 pick in the 2022 draft, has become a regular starter for Sacramento and a valued two-way player. Over three seasons he has averaged about 13.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game and established himself as a consistent perimeter shooter and versatile defender. He set a rookie franchise mark with 206 three-pointers and has combined the ability to stretch the floor with switchable defensive assignments, traits the Kings cited in making a long-term commitment.

Coach Doug Christie praised Murray’s role in the organization, calling him “incredibly versatile” and saying the team “truly, truly...