NBA Teams Eye Top Free Agent to Strengthen Center Rotation and Improve Depth

November 4, 2025

Sacramento, California – As the Sacramento Kings prepare to face the Denver Nuggets on Monday evening, Front Office Executive Scott Perry is actively exploring options to strengthen the team’s interior presence. Reports surfaced Monday morning indicating the Kings are considering the addition of veteran center Precious Achiuwa.

Kings Targeting Achiuwa: A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move?

According to sources, Sacramento is evaluating a potential signing of Achiuwa, a 26-year-old big man with NBA experience.This move is viewed as a strategic addition that wouldn’t drastically alter the team’s trajectory but could provide valuable depth.Achiuwa was originally a highly-touted prospect, ranked among the top 20 high school recruits and selected 20th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft after a single season at Memphis.

Acquiring a player of Achiuwa’s caliber on a minimum contract represents a calculated gamble for the Kings. It allows the team to add talent without critically important financial commitment, a critical aspect of roster management. While it isn’t a transformative acquisition,it’s considered a positive step toward addressing areas of need.

Achiuwa’s Skillset and Potential Fit

During his time with the New York Knicks last season, Achiuwa showcased versatility, effectively playing both power forward and center positions. He averaged 6.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1 assist per game, along with 0.8 steals and 0.7 blocks. However, his perimeter shooting is a noted weakness, averaging fewer than two three-point attempts per game throughout his career.

This presents a potential challenge when paired with Domantas Sabonis, whose own three-point shooting has seen a decline this season. Despite this, Achiuwa’s defensive capabilities could be a significant asset for the Kings. Basketball Index data reveals he ranks in the 94th percentile for Defensive Matchup Versatility, indicating his ability to effectively guard multiple positions.

Did You Know? Defensive versatility is becoming increasingly valuable in the modern NBA, where switching defensive schemes are commonplace. Players capable of guarding multiple positions provide coaches with greater tactical flexibility.

Achiuwa’s ability to switch onto quicker opponents could be particularly valuable while the Kings navigate the absence of Keegan Murray. This adds a dimension of defensive coverage that sacramento currently lacks in certain lineups.

Roster Implications and Potential Moves

The pursuit of Achiuwa also signals a potential lack of confidence in the current center rotation. While Drew Eubanks has performed adequately as the backup center, Maxime Raynaud’s opportunities have been limited. The addition of Achiuwa would introduce another body to compete for minutes and provide additional options for coach Mike Brown.

Adding Achiuwa would necessitate a roster move, as the Kings currently hold 15 standard NBA contracts. A potential solution could involve a two-for-one trade, allowing the team to shed salary and create a roster spot. A more likely scenario, however, is a player waiver, with Dario Saric, Doug McDermott, or Isaac Jones as potential candidates.

here’s a fast look at potential roster moves:

Player	Position	Contract Status	Potential Waiver Candidate?
Dario Saric	Forward/Center	$6.8 Million (2025-26)	Yes
Doug McDermott	Forward	$4.3 Million (2025-26)	Yes
Isaac Jones	Center	Two-Way Contract	Likely

Pro Tip: NBA teams frequently enough prioritize players with defensive versatility during mid-season acquisitions, particularly if they are available at a reasonable cost. Achiuwa’s defensive profile aligns with this trend.

The Kings have demonstrated a pattern of converting reported interest into actual signings under the current front office leadership. Previous examples include trades for players and signings like Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook, as well as demonstrated interest in Jonathan Kuminga. This history suggests a strong possibility the Achiuwa deal could materialize in the coming days.

The Evolving Role of the Modern NBA Center

The role of the center in the NBA has dramatically evolved over the past two decades. Traditionally, centers were primarily responsible for rebounding and protecting the rim. However, the modern game increasingly demands versatility, including the ability to shoot from the perimeter, pass effectively, and defend multiple positions. players like Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid exemplify this evolution,showcasing a blend of conventional post skills and modern offensive capabilities. Teams are now prioritizing centers who can contribute in multiple facets of the game, making players like Precious achiuwa, with his defensive versatility, highly sought after.

Frequently Asked Questions about Precious Achiuwa

• What position does Precious Achiuwa play? Achiuwa primarily plays center and power forward, offering positional flexibility.
• What are Precious Achiuwa’s strengths? His key strengths include defensive versatility, rebounding, and athleticism.
• What are Precious Achiuwa’s weaknesses? His perimeter shooting is limited, and he’s still developing his offensive consistency.
• how could achiuwa fit with the Sacramento Kings? He could provide valuable depth and defensive versatility, particularly with the absence of Keegan Murray.
• What roster moves might the Kings need to make to sign Achiuwa? The kings will likely need to waive a player or execute a trade to create a roster spot.
• Is Precious Achiuwa a starter-caliber player? While capable of starting, he’s generally considered a valuable rotational player.

Will the Kings complete the acquisition of Precious Achiuwa? And how will his addition impact the team’s defensive scheme? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

what strategic advantages does having multiple capable centers provide a team during playoff contention?

The center Position: A Premium in today’s NBA

The modern NBA, while increasingly positionless, still heavily values a dominant center. A strong presence in the paint impacts both offensive rebounding, defensive interior protection, and overall team strategy.As we approach the 2025-2026 season, several NBA teams are actively targeting top free agent centers to bolster their rotations and address critical depth concerns. This pursuit is driven by the league’s competitive landscape and the understanding that a reliable center can be a game-changer. Key terms driving searches include “NBA free agency,” “center rankings,” and “NBA team needs.”

Top Free Agent Centers Available in 2025

Several impactful centers are expected to hit free agency in November 2025.Here’s a breakdown of the most sought-after players:

* Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz): A defensive anchor and elite shot-blocker, Kessler’s rim protection is highly coveted. Teams needing interior defense will prioritize him.

* Nic Claxton (Brooklyn Nets): Claxton offers a unique blend of athleticism, rim protection, and developing offensive skills. He’s a versatile big man appealing to multiple schemes.

* Mitchell Robinson (New York Knicks): When healthy, robinson is a dominant rebounder and shot-blocker. His injury history is a concern, but his potential is undeniable.

* Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder): While technically a restricted free agent, Holmgren’s emergence as a key player for the Thunder makes him a high-priority target if he hits the open market.

* Jarrett Allen (Cleveland Cavaliers): A consistent performer,Allen provides reliable rebounding and defensive presence.

Teams Most Likely to Pursue a Center Upgrade

Several teams have clear needs at the center position and are expected to be aggressive in free agency. These include:

* Los Angeles Lakers: Despite Anthony Davis’s dominance, the Lakers often struggle with depth behind him. Adding a reliable backup center is crucial for load management and playoff contention. They’ve historically shown interest in veteran centers.

* Boston Celtics: While boasting a strong roster, the Celtics could benefit from adding another rim protector to complement Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford. This woudl provide insurance and versatility.

* Milwaukee Bucks: With Brook Lopez aging, the Bucks are looking for a long-term solution at center. A younger, athletic center would fit well alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.

* Phoenix Suns: The Suns’ reliance on small-ball lineups could be balanced by adding a traditional center to provide a different look and improve rebounding.

* dallas Mavericks: Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving need a strong interior presence to maximize their offensive impact. A reliable center would alleviate pressure and improve defensive consistency.

The Impact of Center Depth on Playoff Success

Playoff basketball is a different beast. Teams need reliable players who can contribute consistently, even in limited minutes. A deep center rotation provides several benefits:

* Foul Trouble Insurance: Centers are prone to foul trouble. Having capable backups prevents significant drops in performance.

* Load Management: In the regular season, managing players’ workloads is essential. A strong backup center allows starters to rest without sacrificing competitiveness.

* Matchup Versatility: Different centers offer different skill sets. Having multiple options allows coaches to exploit favorable matchups.

* Injury Replacement: Injuries are inevitable. A quality backup center can minimize the impact of a starter’s absence.

Salary Cap Implications and Potential Contract Values

The salary cap will play a significant role in determining which teams can afford to pursue top free agent centers. Based on current projections, walker Kessler and Nic Claxton are expected to command the highest salaries, potentially exceeding $25 million per year. Mitchell Robinson and Jarrett Allen will likely fall in the $18-$22 million range, while Chet Holmgren’s contract will depend on his restricted free agent status and the Thunder’s willingness to match offers. Teams will need to carefully manage their cap space to make a competitive offer. Related searches include “NBA salary cap 2025” and “NBA player contracts.”

Case Study: The 2019-2020 Los Angeles Lakers

The 2019-2020 Los Angeles Lakers provide a compelling case study. After acquiring JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard