In a significant shake-up for the Sacramento Kings, general manager Monte McNair and the team have decided to part ways, just days after their recent exit from the play-in tournament. The team’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks, which concluded with a 120-106 scoreline, marked an abrupt end to a season that left much to be desired, ultimately prompting this decision by ownership led by Vivek Ranadive.
This split comes on the heels of a tumultuous season for McNair, which saw the Kings firing head coach Mike Brown early in the 2024-25 campaign and trading away star guard De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs. With a series of events leading up to this departure, it was clear that McNair’s time might be running out. Rumors began swirling on Wednesday about his job security, particularly following reports indicating he was on the “hot seat” if the Kings were unable to secure a win against the Mavericks.
McNair took the reins as the Kings’ GM in September 2020 and quickly made a mark by being named the NBA Executive of the Year in 2023, a recognition that felt long overdue as the Kings made their first playoff appearance since 2006. Taking over from Vlade Divac, McNair aimed to turn the often-maligned franchise around with rapid changes.
One of his hallmark moves was the blockbuster trade that sent Tyrese Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for the All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis. This decision proved pivotal, as Sabonis, alongside Fox, became a cornerstone for the Kings, showcasing a new style of play that sparked hope among fans. Additional strategic moves, including the signing of Malik Monk and the selection of Keegan Murray with the fourth overall pick in the 2022 draft, further positioned the Kings as a team on the rise in a competitive Western Conference.
However, the initial success was overshadowed by growing tensions within the organization. McNair found himself navigating a complex web of relationships that involved multiple coaching changes and a shifting vision for the team. His decision to replace head coach Luke Walton with interim coach Alvin Gentry during the 2021-22 season led to another shake-up when Brown was brought in. However, Brown’s dismissal just 31 games into the current season signaled a deeper crisis within the franchise.
This sense of urgency and pressure from Ranadive led to more questionable decisions in roster construction, which ultimately contributed to a disconnect between the front office, coaching staff, and players. As the dust settles, the Kings find themselves at a crossroads. With a roster highlighted by Sabonis, Monk, and newcomers like DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, the Kings are faced with uncertainty as they enter a pivotal offseason.
This past season, the Kings ended with a 40-42 record, missing the playoffs again via the play-in tournament. As they search for McNair’s successor, the hope is to assemble the right strategy to put the pieces back together and foster a culture of success that eluded the team for so long. The clock is ticking as the Kings aim to regain their stature in the NBA landscape.
