Report: Kings 'unlikely' to offer Tyreke Evans extension

Tyreke Evans may not be in the Kings' future plans. (Getty Images)

To some it will be shocking, to others, completely expected, but either way, it looks like Tyreke Evans will be a restricted free agent this summer.

From NBA.com:

Evans has shown flashes in his first three seasons, but not enough to pique Sacramento's interest to give him a deal. The Kings will "probably not" be offering an extension, a source says.

via Most teams will shy away from giving '09 picks a big payday | NBA.com.

The NBA.com piece talks about how few of the 2009 class will wind up getting the prized extensions, Evans is no exception. But we're talking about one of the few players to ever log 20-5-5 in their rookie season not getting an extension. You can say that Evans has disappointed based off his playmaking and shot development, you can say the Kings have absolutely blown it by never committing to a plan with him, you can say it was an impossibility for him to thrive due to his postional confounds inherent in his play, and any and all would be correct.

Evans has been on the cliff for months, and with the deadline just a little over two weeks away, it makes sense they're backing off. It doesn't mean that Evans won't remain a King, but it will enable him to test the market, or fail to successfully do so. That's the gamble the Kings are making.

Meanwhile, depending on how the Kings season goes, you should consider Evans officially on the trade market, despite whatever the team will say. Former Rookies of the Year with expiring rookie deals don't come along often and if a team needs a spark, Evans is just the type of player you aim for.