The Wildcats’ 7-foot star is heading back to Kentucky, forcing Sacramento to pivot as they navigate front-court depth concerns and potential roster shakeups under Scott Perry.
Malachi Moreno withdrew his name from the NBA draft ahead of Wednesday's withdrawal deadline, removing one prospect from the Sacramento Kings' draft board.
Moreno is returning to Kentucky, which is a major win for the program. CBS Sports' Cameron Salerno said that the Wildcats needed the 7-foot big man back the most.
He highlighted their shortcomings in landing Robert Wright III and Donnie Freeman from the transfer portal -- and recruiting Tyrann Stokes, who committed to Kansas. The Georgetown, Kentucky, native will spend one more season at his hometown school.
Sacramento may have front-court depth issues next season. Domantas Sabonis is the second-highest-paid player on the team, earning $45.8 million next season and $48.6 million in 2027.
General manager Scott Perry wants to get younger and gain more financial flexibility. Sabonis' contract is an obstacle in Perry's plans, and there are offseason rumors that the three-time All-Star could be on the trade block.
Precious Achiuwa may have played himself outside the Kings' price range with a solid campaign. The 6-foot-8 forward said he wants to stay in Sacramento because the city and organization gave him a chance, but there could be other teams that swoop in with a more lucrative contract.
Drew Eubanks underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn UCL in his left thumb in March. The seven-year veteran is an unrestricted free agent and could return, given that he signed a one-year deal with the Kings last season.
Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell are young gems for Sacramento. The two took advantage of an injury-plagued season to showcase their talents. Raynaud earned All-Rookie second team, and Cardwell received a four-year, $8.29 million contract in February.
While there is a promising future between Raynaud and Cardwell, losing a big man prospect to a college return could shake up the Kings' draft board. The 7-footer is a solid rim protector, rebounder and finisher; and he's flashed some passing ability at Kentucky.
Moreno averaged 7.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in his freshman campaign. Returning for his sophomore season adds another season of development, which could raise his draft stock in the 2027 draft.
ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo projected Moreno as a mid-second-round pick in his first mock draft before the May 10 lottery on April 28. The Brooklyn Nets selected the 7-foot freshman with their 43rd pick.
Moreno's stock grew from Woo's first mock draft, appearing as a late-first-round pick in Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor's mock draft. The Atlanta Hawks drafted Moreno with the 23rd pick, which is a 15-pick jump.
It's an interesting rise, given that Salerno said he did not participate in five-on-five scrimmages during the combine week. Now, his return to Kentucky removes a talented big man from the draft.
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