NBA Notes: Keegan Murray, Bulls, Mavericks, Dante Exum

Kings

In more tough news for the Kings, forward Keegan Murray has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb and will undergo surgery, the team announced.

Murray hurt the thumb late in the second quarter of Friday’s preseason game against Portland and will be reevaluated in four to six weeks. The timing isn’t ideal, as Murray is eligible for a rookie-scale extension through Oct. 20.

While the injury likely won’t alter Sacramento’s long-term view of Murray, it does take away his last chance to make an on-court case before the deadline.

The 2022 No. 4 pick has been a steady starter since his rookie season, averaging 12.4 points and 4.6 rebounds while developing into a reliable two-way forward.

With Murray sidelined, Nique Clifford finished Friday’s game in his place. Dario Saric, Doug McDermott, Malik Monk and Keon Ellis could all see expanded roles as coach Doug Christie experiments with lineups.

Bulls

It looks like Dalen Terry will head into his fourth season without a new deal. According to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times, there have been no serious extension talks between Terry and the Bulls.

The 23-year-old guard-forward is entering the final year of his contract at $5.4 million. Chicago could still extend a qualifying offer next summer to make him a restricted free agent, but that seems unlikely unless his role grows.

Terry told Cowley he’s modeling his approach after former teammate Alex Caruso. “I got drafted to be like AC — guard, do all the little things, be a connector,” he said. “I have to hang my hat on defense.”

Mavericks

The Mavericks are taking it slow with Dante Exum, who continues to deal with right-knee pain that has kept him out of two preseason games.

Coach Jason Kidd told reporters the team is “taking a long-term view” with the 30-year-old guard, via Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News.

Exum has struggled to stay healthy, appearing in just 20 games last season because of wrist and hand injuries.

Dallas re-signed him on a one-year deal this summer and was counting on him to help stabilize the backcourt while Kyrie Irving recovers from a torn ACL.

If Exum’s absence lingers, Dalano Banton or Dennis Smith Jr. could play their way into a roster spot.