Kings Officially Sign Thompson To New Contract

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - The Sacramento Kings and Jason Thompson have agreed in principle to a new contract, the team announced Wednesday on the first day that NBA teams can sign free agents.

Terms of the contract weren't released, per the team's policy.

"We are all very excited about Jason's return," said Geoff Petrie, the team's president of basketball operations. "He is a very important young veteran for our team and style of play going forward. Jason brings experience, energy and an improving all-around game to the floor every night."

Thompson, whom the Kings selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, has averaged 10.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game in 296 career games in four seasons (2008-12) with Sacramento.

Last season, Thompson averaged 9.1 points (a career-best .535 field goal percentage), 6.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 25.9 minutes per game in 64 contests, starting 47 games. He led the Kings in field goal percentage and was second on the team in rebounding in 2011-12.

Thompson's re-signing gives the Kings a solid young front court with the addition of rookie Thomas Robinson, taken fifth in the June draft out of Kansas, and the emerging talents of Demarcus Cousins, who is entering his third season with the team.