Updated at 9:25 p.m. PST.
Omri Casspi is homeward bound. The 27-year-old and the Sacramento Kings have agreed in principle to a two-year, $6 million contract. ESPN’s Marc Stein first reported the news.
Casspi enjoyed a breakout 2014-15 season with the Kings, when his NBA career was on the ropes just a year ago. The forward drafted 21st by Sacramento in 2009 was brought in for depth and not much else when he signed with his old club last September.
In his second tour with the Kings, Casspi had a rebirth. The six-year veteran retired his jump shot in favor of aggressive drives and cuts to the hoop, while he actively looked to set up teammates. Eventually Casspi reintegrated the long ball to his arsenal, and he finished the year making a career-high 40.2 percent from downtown on 1.3 attempts per game. The 6-foot-9, 225-pounder’s perimeter defense took a slide, but the Kings are expecting Casspi to reassert himself on that end.
In 394 games (115 starts) with the Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets, Casspi has averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.6 steals and one turnover in 20.8 minutes a match. Last season he produced 8.9 pounds, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals and 1.3 turnovers in 21.1 minutes over 67 games (19 starts).
Casspi’s return marks the fourth free agent in three days to commit to the Kings, joining Marco Belinelli, Rajon Rondo and Kosta Koufos.
The local fan favorite announced in the spring that Sacramento was his preferred destination.
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