The Sacramento Kings made a decision earlier in the offseason to cut Eric Moreland in order to ensure that his salary didn't become guaranteed before training camp started. Even after they cut him, the Kings made it clear that they wanted to re-sign Moreland, but they had some competition. It was reported earlier this week that the Los Angeles Lakers and Detroit Pistons had offered him contracts with the Pistons being the favorites to sign him but now it is being reported that Moreland has chosen to go back to the Kings, according to Sham Charania of Yahoo Sports.
When the news came out that the Pistons were the favorites to land Moreland, it was a bit odd because they have 15 guaranteed contracts and likely have no room for him on their roster. The other two teams that were in the mix offer Moreland a much better chance to make the team out of training camp, so he ultimately decided to stay with Sacramento. The contract reportedly offers Moreland significant guarantees, but he is still not a lock to make the roster although his chances are pretty good.
Moreland is the 17th player to have a contract with the Kings now so one player will have to be cut by the end of training camp. Duje Dukan is one of those 17 players, and he is fully expected to be cut and sent to the D-League, so unless Dukan really impresses or the Kings sign someone else to a camp contract that significantly outplays Moreland, his odds are looking very good. The other player expected to be cut is Marshall Henderson who reportedly signed a "make good" contract with the Kings last week and is unlikely to make the team.
Moreland is a 6-foot-11 power forward out of Oregon State who has impressed teams with his size, strength and athleticism. He only played in three games for the Kings a year ago for a total of two minutes but he dominated the D-League in seven games there averaging 13.7 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. Moreland is just 23 years old and has a lot of upside, so the Kings got themselves a nice developmental player.
