SIGNED: Sacramento Kings Nab Free Agent Center; Former No. 6 Pick

The Sacramento Kings have added a rim-protecting defensive presence to their frontcourt, signing nine-year veteran free agent center Nerlens Noel to a one-year contract.

Free agent C Nerlens Noel has agreed on a one-year, $3.1M deal with the Sacramento Kings, his agent @georgelangberg of GSL Sports Group tells ESPN. Noel gives the Kings a defensive presence in the frontline rotation.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 18, 2023

It's a $3.1M deal for Noel, who split last season between the Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets, but didn't get the call very often in either stop, playing a total of only 17 games and averaging just 11.5 minutes. 

The previous two seasons, the 7-footer was a solid presence in the middle for the Knicks, averaging nearly two blocked shots and six boards a game in just under 24 minutes. Overall, for his career, he's averaged 7.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.

Noel was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets.

The Kings have really fortified their frontcourt this offseason, also having re-signed big men Alex Len and Trey Lyles. 

Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports