From 2019 to 2021, T.J. Warren was an important contributor to the Indiana Pacers. Throughout his stint with the team, Warren started all 71 games he played for the team. As a Pacer, he averaged 19.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.1 steals. Additionally, he shot 53,5% from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc.
Warren led the team in scoring during the 2019-20 season, his only full campaign with the team. Additionally, the 2020 NBA Bubble was Warren's best basketball of his career. During this run, Warren averaged 31 points per game. This includes a 53-point masterclass (on an incredible 9-for-12 from beyond the arc) against the Philadelphia 76ers.
However, Warren only played four games for the team following the NBA bubble after he underwent surgery for a stress fracture during the 2020-21 season. Warren also missed the entire 2021-22 season before signing with the Brooklyn Nets in 2022.
Fast forward a few years later, and Warren is a shell of what he was in 2020. However, it seems that the 31-year-old is not ready to call it a career just yet.
According to Sam Amick, Warren will work out for the Sacramento Kings at some point this week. The forward last played 11 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves last season. However, he averaged 3.7 points and 2 rebounds per game. He also shot an abysmal 15.4% from beyond the arc, though he only took 13 attempts.
Former Indiana Pacers forward T.J. Warren is working out for the Sacramento Kings
Though he is not what he was with the Pacers, Warren is still a decent NBA player who provides depth and a veteran presence. The Kings are a team looking to make it back to the playoffs after narrowly missing out last season. Following their offseason addition of DeMar DeRozan, it is clear that the Kings are committed to doing so. Bringing in someone like Warren is a low-risk move for the team.
However, it seems unlikely the Kings will end up signing the former Pacers forward. They also brought in other veterans for workouts this offseason, such as Jae Crowder, Isaiah Thomas, and Nassir Little. All these players arguably bring more to the table than Warren and can contribute more right away.
Whether Warren gets another job in the NBA this season remains unclear. Regardless, it is a welcoming sight for Pacers fans to see that their "Bubble MVP" candidate could find himself back in the league once again.