Sacramento Kings Fire GM Monte McNair, Hire Scott Perry

The Sacramento Kings have parted ways with GM Monte McNair and are finalizing a deal to hire Scott Perry, former New York Knicks GM.

The Sacramento Kings have parted ways with General Manager Monte McNair after a disappointing 120-106 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the play-in tournament. This decision comes roughly two years after McNair's breakthrough season, where he led the team to break a 16-year playoff drought and earned the NBA Executive of the Year award in 2023.

McNair's tenure was marked by highs and lows. On the positive side, he stabilized the team, helping them win 40 or more games for three straight years. The Kings posted a .488 win percentage under his leadership, a significant improvement from the 36.2% win rate between 2006 and 2020. However, the team's inability to advance past the play-in tournament ultimately led to his dismissal.

BREAKING: Sacramento Kings have fired general manager Monte McNair ❌

The Kings lost their play-in game vs. Dallas — eliminating them from playoff contention — just 30 minutes ago 😳🟪 pic.twitter.com/glaOlUrWQz

— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) April 17, 2025

The Kings now face a pivotal offseason, needing to appoint a new GM, evaluate interim coach Doug Christie's position, and make crucial roster decisions. With star player De'Aaron Fox's contract nearing expiration, the franchise must prove its trajectory isn't merely a fluke. 

Key considerations include:

Roster Decisions

De'Aaron Fox's Contract: The team needs to decide whether to extend Fox or risk losing him in free agency.

 

Domantas Sabonis: The big man has expressed desire to stay with the Kings, but there's a catch.

Coaching Staff

Doug Christie's Future: The interim coach finished the season with a 27-24 record and is awaiting a decision on his future.

Front Office

New General Manager: The Kings need to find a replacement for McNair to lead their basketball operations.

The Sacramento Kings have had limited success under General Manager Monte McNair, with a 195-205 record during his tenure and only one playoff appearance in 2023. McNair's time as GM has been marked by significant challenges, including losing control over team decisions this season. This led to notable moves, such as firing head coach Mike Brown after just 31 games and trading De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs for Zach LaVine.

The Kings are now finalizing a deal to hire Scott Perry, the former New York Knicks general manager, to replace McNair. Perry previously worked with the Kings as vice president of basketball operations in 2017. His experience and track record will be crucial in shaping the team's future.

The Sacramento Kings are finalizing a deal to hire longtime NBA executive Scott Perry as their new general manager, sources tell ESPN. Perry spent three months with the Kings in 2017 before leaving for the Knicks. Perry started his exec career in 2000 with Detroit. pic.twitter.com/vlQUOeo55y

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 17, 2025

The Kings' roster needs significant attention, particularly at the point guard position. Star center Domantas Sabonis emphasized the team's need for a point guard during the end-of-year press conference. With only one playoff appearance in the past 19 years, the Kings must make impactful moves to turn their fortunes around and become consistent contenders.