Published: April 17, 2025
By: Adam
The Sacramento Kings announced Thursday that they have mutually agreed to part ways with General Manager Monte McNair, ending a tenure that began in September 2020 and oversaw one of the franchise’s most competitive stretches in nearly two decades.
“I want to sincerely thank Monte for his leadership and his invaluable contributions during his time in Sacramento,” said Kings owner and chairman Vivek Ranadivé in a team-issued statement. “He helped build a strong foundation for sustained success here, and we wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavors.”
No immediate successor has been named, and the team is expected to begin a search for a new head of basketball operations in the coming weeks.
McNair’s Tenure: From Drought to Playoffs
McNair arrived in Sacramento after spending 13 years with the Houston Rockets, where he rose to the position of assistant GM and earned a reputation as one of the league’s sharpest analytics-driven minds.
When he took over in 2020, the Kings were mired in the longest active playoff drought in NBA history. Under his leadership, the team underwent a methodical rebuild — drafting and developing talent, reshaping the roster, and ultimately snapping a 16-year playoff drought in 2023.
His tenure included bold decisions, such as trading Tyrese Haliburton for Domantas Sabonis, re-signing core guard De’Aaron Fox, and hiring head coach Mike Brown, whose leadership helped transform Sacramento into a legitimate Western Conference contender.
A Culture Shift, and a New Identity
One of McNair’s most lasting contributions was shifting the organizational tone. He emphasized culture, accountability, and long-term growth, helping the Kings develop a new identity centered around unselfish offense and team-first basketball.
Under his guidance, the Kings led the NBA in offensive rating during the 2022–23 season and brought playoff basketball back to the city — rekindling a passionate fanbase starved for relevance.
While the team fell short in the postseason, McNair was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2023 for his efforts in rebuilding the franchise.
What’s Next for Sacramento?
The departure of McNair raises questions about the Kings’ future direction. With a talented core still intact — including Fox, Sabonis, and emerging stars like Keegan Murray — Sacramento remains a team with playoff potential.
Ranadivé’s next hire will be tasked with continuing the momentum while addressing key roster needs, including depth and defensive consistency. The timing of the decision — in the lead-up to the 2025 NBA Draft and free agency — suggests urgency for clarity at the top of basketball operations.
As for McNair, his strong track record, front-office acumen, and playoff breakthrough in Sacramento will likely make him a sought-after candidate elsewhere in the league.
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