Kings, Monte McNair Mutually Agree to Part Ways

The Sacramento Kings and General Manager Monte McNair have agreed to mutually part ways, just two years after McNair helped to put an end to the longest playoff drought in NBA history.

“Both parties agreed to a mutual decision shortly after the Kings’ season ended in a 120-106 defeat against the Dallas Mavericks in the play-in tournament on Wednesday night.”

– A person familiar with the decision, speaking on condition of anonymity

McNair, who joined the Kings ahead of the 2020-21 season, played a pivotal role in assembling the team that broke a 16-season playoff drought in 2023, finishing third in the Western Conference with a 48-34 record.

Highs and Lows of McNair’s Tenure

Under McNair’s leadership, the Kings won at least 40 games in each of the last three seasons, a feat they hadn’t accomplished in the previous 16 years. However, the team fell short of becoming a true Western Conference contender.

• 2022-23: Lost in the first round of the playoffs against the Golden State Warriors in seven games.
• 2023-24: Failed to return to the playoffs, losing in the play-in tournament for the second consecutive season.

The Kings’ 2023-24 season was particularly challenging, marked by the firing of coach Mike Brown in December and the trading of star point guard Deletzt Axton to San Antonio in February. The team finished the season ninth in the Western Conference with a 40-42 record.

Key Moves and Achievements Under McNair

• Traded for star center Domantas Sabonis from Indiana for Tyrese Haliburton in 2022.
• Signed free agent Malik Monk and drafted Keegan Murray in 2022.
• Facilitated a three-team trade this season that sent Deizaron Fox to San Antonio and Zach LaVine to Sacramento.

The Kings finished with a 195-205 record under McNair. Despite his departure, his impact on the franchise will be felt for years to come.

What’s Next for the Kings?

The Kings must now make decisions about their coaching staff, with interim coach Doug Christie having led the team to a 27-24 record in the regular season after replacing Mike Brown. As of now, Christie’s employment situation remains uncertain.

“But this is where I want to be. You know. I need to finish what I started.”

– Doug Christie

The new general manager will be the fifth since owner Vivek Ranadive assumed control of the team in 2013. The Kings have cycled through nine coaches, including interim, and have the fifth worst record in the NBA during this period.