The Sacramento Kings and general manager Monte McNair have mutually agreed to part ways following the team’s season-ending 120-106 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Wednesday’s play-in tournament, multiple outlets confirmed.
McNair, who spent five seasons at the helm of Sacramento’s front office, was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2023 after engineering the franchise’s first playoff appearance in 16 years. During his tenure, the Kings posted three consecutive 40-win seasons — a feat they hadn’t achieved since 2005-08 — and climbed out of the league’s bottom tier.
“I want to sincerely thank Monte for his leadership and the invaluable contributions he made during his time in Sacramento,” team owner and chairman Vivek Ranadivé said in a statement. “He helped build a strong foundation for continued success here, and we wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavors.”
McNair also issued a statement thanking Kings fans, players, and the organization for embracing him throughout his time in Sacramento.
Sacramento Kings Hire Scott Perry to Replace Monte McNair
The move marks the latest in a series of front office shakeups for the Kings. Just three weeks ago, assistant general manager Wes Wilcox left to become the GM of the University of Utah men’s basketball program. The team also parted ways with head coach Mike Brown on Dec. 27 after a 13-18 start to the season. Assistant coach Doug Christie took over as interim head coach, guiding the Kings to a 27-24 record over the final 51 games.
Despite improving their win total to 43-39, the Kings were eliminated at home in the first round of the play-in for the second consecutive year — this time by a Mavericks team fueled by standout performances from Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis.
As the franchise looks to reset, former New York Knicks GM Scott Perry is expected to be brought in to run basketball operations, per Yahoo Sports. Perry, 61, previously worked for the Kings as vice president of basketball operations in 2017 before joining the Knicks. He remained with New York through 2023 before departing after his contract expired.
The Kings reportedly also considered recently dismissed Nuggets GM Calvin Booth, though Perry is now positioned to lead the search for a permanent head coach. Christie, however, is “well-positioned” to retain the role, according to The Athletic.
McNair’s exit underscores a dramatic shift in direction for a franchise that appeared to be on the rise two seasons ago. In 2023, Sacramento ended its 16-year playoff drought, earned a 48-34 record, and nearly toppled the Golden State Warriors in a thrilling first-round series that included Stephen Curry’s 50-point Game 7.
But after a rollercoaster 2023-24 campaign that included the firing of Brown and the trade of franchise cornerstone De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs for Zach LaVine, Sacramento failed to gain traction and once again missed the postseason.
With both the front office and coaching situation in flux, the Kings are entering the 2024 offseason in search of stability — and a clear vision for how to return to the playoff picture.
