Keegan Murray Bio
Keegan Mitchell Murray is an American professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was selected fourth overall in the 2022 NBA draft after playing two seasons for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Murray has established himself as one of the premier young forwards in the league, known for his three-point shooting and versatile offensive game. He is the twin brother of Kris Murray, who plays for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Early Life and Background
Keegan Mitchell Murray was born on August 19, 2000, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Kenyon Murray. His father played college basketball for Iowa, giving Keegan a deep connection to the sport from an early age. Growing up in Cedar Rapids, Keegan and his twin brother Kris were teammates throughout their youth and high school careers.
Murray attended Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he developed into a highly productive player. During his senior season, he averaged 20.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, earning Metro Player of the Year honors. His performance attracted attention from college programs across the country.
After graduating from Prairie High School, Murray spent a postgraduate year at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida, to further develop his game and gain additional recruiting exposure. At DME Academy, he averaged 22.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game and earned most outstanding player honors at the National Prep School Invitational.
Path to Professional Basketball
Despite being rated as a three-star recruit coming out of high school, Murray received interest from several programs and ultimately chose to continue his basketball career at the University of Iowa. The decision to stay close to home and play for his father’s alma mater proved to be a pivotal moment in his development.
During his freshman season at Iowa, Murray demonstrated his potential as a two-way player. He averaged 7.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, earning Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors. His defensive instincts and shot-blocking ability stood out as he adjusted to the college game.
His sophomore season marked a breakthrough, as Murray emerged as one of the top players in the country. He recorded a historic performance with a 20-point, 20-rebound game against North Carolina Central, the first such performance by an Iowa player since Bruce King in 1977. He scored a career-high 37 points against Nebraska and was named first-team All-Big Ten while winning the Karl Malone Award as the nation’s top power forward.
Keegan Murray Career
College Career (2020–2022)
Murray’s two seasons at Iowa showcased his rapid improvement and versatility. His freshman year served as a foundation, with his defense and hustle plays becoming trademarks of his game. The coaching staff at Iowa helped refine his offensive skills while maximizing his defensive capabilities.
The 2021-2022 season became a coming-out party for Murray. He posted multiple 30-point games, including a 35-point performance against Utah State and his 37-point career high against Nebraska. His ability to score inside and out made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Following the season, Murray declared for the 2022 NBA draft, ending his college career as a consensus first-team All-American and Big Ten tournament Most Outstanding Player.
Sacramento Kings (2022–Present)
Murray was selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings, fulfilling his dream of becoming a professional basketball player. He made an immediate impact during the summer league, earning NBA Summer League MVP honors after averaging 23 points and 7 rebounds per game while shooting 50% from the field. His performance included a 26-point debut against the Golden State Warriors.
During his rookie season, Murray set a new NBA record for the most three-pointers made by a rookie in a season with 206, surpassing the previous mark held by Donovan Mitchell. He recorded a then career-high 29 points and 14 rebounds against the Oklahoma City Thunder and demonstrated the consistency that earned him his high draft selection. His contributions were recognized when he was named to the 2023 NBA All-Rookie First Team.
On December 16, 2023, Murray delivered a career-defining performance by scoring a career-high 47 points in a win over the Utah Jazz. He made 12 three-pointers in the game, including a league-record 11 consecutive makes from beyond the arc. At 23 years and 119 days old, he became the youngest player in NBA history to make at least 12 three-pointers in a single game, surpassing the previous record set by Kobe Bryant.
Driving Style and Strengths
Murray’s game is built around his versatility on the offensive end. His three-point shooting is his primary weapon, but he is equally capable of scoring in the post and attacking off the dribble. His basketball IQ and feel for the game allow him to make smart decisions with the ball. Defensively, he uses his length and timing to block shots and grab rebounds, showing the same instincts that made him a standout at Iowa.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Murray has accumulated several impressive milestones. His rookie-season three-point record, his 47-point explosion against Utah, and becoming the youngest player to make 12 threes in a game represent his most significant achievements. Each accomplishment has come while playing a key role for a Sacramento Kings team that has been working to return to playoff relevance.
Keegan Murray Career Highlights
Murray has built an impressive resume through his first several professional seasons, combining consistent scoring with historic performances. His rookie record for three-pointers, combined with his 47-point game and consistent mid-season contributions, have established him as a cornerstone player for Sacramento.
NBA Highlights
In three-plus NBA seasons, Murray has demonstrated the ability to be a high-volume scorer and efficient shooter. His rookie record of 206 three-pointers established a new benchmark for first-year players. His 47-point game against Utah showcased his ability to take over games when he gets hot from the field. He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors following his debut season.
College Highlights
Before his NBA career, Murray earned consensus first-team All-American honors at Iowa. He won the Karl Malone Award as the nation’s top power forward and was named Big Ten tournament Most Outstanding Player after leading the Hawkeyes to a conference championship. His 20-point, 20-rebound game remains one of the most memorable performances in Iowa basketball history.
| Level | Years | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBA (Sacramento) | 2022–Present | 14.0 | 5.7 | 1.7 |
| College (Iowa) | 2020–2022 | 14.2 | 6.8 | 1.2 |
Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Murray comes from a basketball family through his father, Kenyon Murray, who played college basketball for the University of Iowa. This family connection to the Hawkeyes program deeply influenced Keegan’s path, leading him to follow in his father’s footsteps at Iowa. The Murray family has been immersed in basketball for generations.
Personal Life
Keegan is the twin brother of Kris Murray, who was drafted in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. The Murray twins were teammates throughout their youth and high school careers before both pursuing college basketball at Iowa. Their rare twin connection has been a notable aspect of their basketball journeys. Kris now plays for the Portland Trail Blazers while Keegan continues with the Sacramento Kings.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-2025 season saw Murray continue his development as a key contributor for the Sacramento Kings. He remained a reliable scoring option and three-point shooter, helping the team compete for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. His consistency from beyond the arc continued to be a valuable asset for Sacramento’s offense.
During the season, Murray signed a five-year, $140 million contract extension with the Kings, securing his future with the franchise through 2031. The deal reflected the organization’s belief in his long-term potential and importance to their core. However, the season was cut short when Murray suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in October 2025, requiring surgery and sidelining him for 4-to-6 weeks. He managed 23 appearances including 22 starts, averaging 14.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists before the injury occurred.
In May 2026, Murray underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his left ankle, addressing the lingering issue from earlier in his career. The procedure was successful and represented the next step in his recovery process. Looking ahead, Murray is expected to make a full recovery and continue his progression as one of the league’s promising young forwards.