Pending Jimmer Fredette's buyout, it appears the Kings are trying to fill his roster spot with former Pacers guard Orlando Johnson.
The Sacramento Kings are reportedly interested in signing shooting guard Orlando Johnson to a 10-day contract.
The Indiana Pacers waived Johnson last week when they dealt Danny Granger to the Philadelphia 76ers for Evan Turner and Lavoy Allen. News 10's Sean Cunningham was the first to report the news.
Source: Sacramento Kings will sign Orlando Johnson tomorrow. Pretty sure it's a 10-day contract. #NBAKings
— Sean Cunningham (@News10Sean) February 26, 2014NBA columnist with Sheridan Hoops, Michael Scotto confirmed Cunningham's report.
Just spoke to Orlando Johnson (@Pace_O11) who confirms he will join the Sacramento Kings on a 10-day contract. 1st reported by @News10Sean.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 26, 2014The news comes the same day reports surfaced that the Kings will buy out Jimmer Fredette's contract.
Johnson was originally drafted by the Kings with the 36th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, but was dealt to the Pacers for cash. The 6'5'' guard received a little time as the backup shooting guard in Indiana while Granger was hurt. In one-and-a-half seasons, he played in 89 games, averaging 3.3 points and 1.8 rebounds in 10.8 minutes per game.
Johnson was known for his scoring instincts and his 6-11 wingspan coming out of the 2012 draft.
In another report, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle linked the Kings to forward Royce White. White failed to make the 76ers' roster earlier this season after being traded by the Houston Rockets. It's been reported that White has an anxiety disorder and left the Rockets on bad terms. This deal seems unlikely with the news about Johnson, and Feigen acknowledged that.
@News10Sean reports Kings will sign Orlando Johnson, likely to a 10-day. Probably answers the Royce White question here, at least for now.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) February 26, 2014