Jimmer Fredette could be heading out of Sacramento sooner rather than later. Kings general manager Pete D’Alessandro told reporters at the team’s morning shootaround Tuesday that Fredette no longer fits the team’s plans, so the Kings are working on a buyout of the point guard’s contract.
Fredette was the No. 10 pick in the 2011 NBA draft after setting college basketball on fire during his time at Brigham Young University, but Fredette’s professional career hasn’t had similar success. Fredette, once expected to be part of the long-term core of the Kings, has been unable to find consistent minutes on the court under three different coaches in his three seasons in the NBA.
The Kings are looking to cut their losses and are reportedly close to a buyout deal that would make Fredette a free agent by the end of the week if he clears waivers.
D’Alessandro said Kings owner Vivek Ranadive “loves Jimmer and wants to do the right thing by Jimmer. We’re just talking about things at this point. There’s nothing done at this point.”
The Kings tried to move Fredette before Thursday’s trade deadline. The Memphis Grizzlies are among the teams interested in signing Fredette if his contract is bought out, sources told ESPN.
Fredette is averaging 5.9 points, 1.5 assists and 1.1 rebounds per game this season.
Photo via Twitter/@desnewssports
