The Sacramento Kings have fired General Manager Monte McNair. The decision, described as mutual, followed a 120-106 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the play-in tournament. That defeat officially ended the Kings’ 2024-25 season. The franchise wasted no time. Roughly an hour after the final buzzer, reports confirmed McNair’s dismissal. ESPN and The Athletic both cited sources close to the team. The Kings have now failed to advance past the play-in tournament for the second straight year. Their only playoff appearance under McNair came in 2023. That year, Sacramento broke a 16-year postseason drought and earned McNair the Executive of the Year award.
Kings Fire GM Monte McNair After Season-Ending Letdown
McNair’s Tenure: Highs, Lows, and Unfulfilled Promise
McNair’s five-season run brought some hope to a long-suffering fanbase. He stabilized the team and helped them win 40 or more games for three straight years. Before his arrival, the Kings had not hit that mark since 2006.
The Kings and GM Monte McNair have mutually agreed to part ways, league sources tell @TheAthletic
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) April 17, 2025
During McNair’s leadership, Sacramento posted a .488 win percentage. In contrast, the Kings won just 36.2% of their games from 2006 through 2020. His tenure included bold decisions, a strong draft record, and steady improvement in the regular season.
But the postseason remained elusive. After losing to the Warriors in seven games in 2023, the Kings stumbled. They could not return to the playoffs. Play-in losses in consecutive seasons raised serious questions about the team’s long-term direction.
Signs of Dysfunction Resurface
The Kings’ front office has been under fire for months. The firing of Coach of the Year Mike Brown sparked backlash, especially from star guard De’Aaron Fox. He accused the organization of failing to protect him during the fallout.
“You fire the coach, and you don’t do an interview?” Fox told ESPN. “I felt at the time the organization didn’t have my back.”
This comment reflected deeper organizational issues. Brown’s firing and the lack of communication suggested a disconnect between leadership and the locker room. The Kings have since operated under interim coach Doug Christie, who finished with a 27-24 record.
Christie now awaits a decision about his future. The team has not confirmed whether he will return as head coach.
Deadline Moves Created More Doubt
The Kings made a controversial trade deadline decision by acquiring DeMar DeRozan and reuniting him with Zach LaVine. This move mimicked the Chicago Bulls’ approach, despite their lack of postseason success.
Analysts widely criticized the move. Many believed Sacramento prioritized regular-season wins over playoff potential. The new core failed to elevate the team. They still couldn’t escape the play-in.
As CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn noted, “You can win 40 games with DeRozan, LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis. But you probably won’t win in the playoffs.”
That assessment stings after another early exit.
A Pivotal Offseason Awaits After Kings Fire Monte McNair
Sacramento faces a critical summer. They must choose a new general manager, decide on Christie’s future, and reassess their roster. With Fox’s contract nearing its end, the clock is ticking.
The Kings cannot afford more missteps. They must prove 2023 wasn’t a fluke. Otherwise, they risk losing both their star and the fans’ remaining faith.
McNair brought stability and hope. But in the NBA, stability means little without playoff success. The Kings now search again—for leadership, for vision, and for a way forward.
© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The post Kings Fire GM Monte McNair After Season-Ending Letdown appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.