C Kosta Koufos to Sign 4-Year Deal with Sacramento Kings

Jan 17, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) shoots the ball over Memphis Grizzlies center Kosta Koufos (41) during the game at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Sacramento Kings 91-90. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Kosta Koufos, now formerly of the Memphis Grizzlies, has signed a substantial contract offer sheet from the Sacramento Kings.

Late on Saturday night, news broke regarding Kosta Koufos‘ free-agency decision. He has committed to the Sacramento Kings on a four-year deal worth $33 million. Marc Stein of ESPN had the initial report:

ESPN sources say Kosta Koufos is headed to Sacramento on a four-year deal worth $33 million
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 5, 2015

Sources say Koufos' deal with the Kings will include a player option after Year 3 that allows him to return to free agency in summer of 2018
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 5, 2015

Shrewd signing by Kings, who now have another proven big who can play alongside Cousins ... or help fill void if they do decide to move him
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 5, 2015

While this is a much larger deal compared to the contract he most recently signed, it is more bang for the Kings’ buck(s). It is truly a great agreement for both parties.

Statistically in 2014-15, Koufos was the top center in the NBA in defensive ratings. Despite playing just an approximate 20 minutes per game, he still ranked higher than other other exceptional defensive centers, such as Tyson Chandler, Omer Asik, Joakim Noah, etc.

Just how great is “Rolla Kosta” at his job of stopping opponents in the paint? Take a look at this:

Koufos does not look to score much, but he still makes a major impact on the floor when he sees action. For his defensive presence alone, it was inevitable that he would be receiving a major pay raise from the $3 million he earned with the Memphis Grizzlies. While he surely had plenty of suitors making their interests known, he ultimately decided to play once again for one of his former coaches–George Karl, now of the Kings (formerly with the Denver Nuggets).

Jan 17, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Kosta Koufos (41) shoots the ball over Sacramento Kings power forward Jason Thompson (34) during the game at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Sacramento Kings 91-90. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

This move ends the belief and chatter of a potential deal between the Memphis Grizzlies and, say, the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers are in dire need of a starting-quality defensive center while the Grizz have been desperately looking for a solid shooter/scorer to bolster their bench. A likely deal would have almost certainly been centered around Koufos, but his intent to play for Sacramento squashes the sign-and-trade idea.

Congratulations to Kosta Koufos on his new contract farewell–best of luck to him in Sacramento!

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