Willie Cauley-Stein won't fake his intent going into this 2018-19 season — getting the green is priority No. 1 for the Sacramento Kings center.

“I'm ready to get paid,” Willie Cauley-Stein said Tuesday during the Kings' media day, according to James Ham of NBC Sports California. “This is what we've got to do, that's what type of focus I'm on. I'm ready for it. I've seen everybody else — all my peers. Alright, I'm ready for that. What do I got to do to do that? That's what they're doing? Alright, I'm going to go ahead and do this now.”

Cauley-Stein could become a restricted free agent after this season should the Kings extend him a $6.2 million qualifying offer next summer, but the Kentucky product is looking to make enough of a splash to garner a contract extension, as he heads into the final year of his rookie deal.

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The 25-year-old put up 12.8 points and 7.0 rebounds last season, both career highs due to his increased minutes and role within the team, yet his 50.2 field goal percentage and 61.9 free-throw clip were the worst of his young career, creating questions about his potential moving forward.

The 7-footer has the potential to put it all together, already bordering a steal and a block per game through 28 minutes per game, but he will need to be consistent if he's given more time on the court and threaten for a double-double if he hopes to get a long-term offer.

The impending free agency doesn't help his case, with plenty of already-proven centers available in the market. His best bet remains to take his stock into his own hands and make it tough for the Kings to short-change themselves.