Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown has secured a three-year contract extension, with a salary increase to $8.5 million per season, ensuring his stay through the 2026–27 season. This development follows recent reports of a rift between Brown and the Kings’ ownership regarding the terms of his contract.
Reported Tensions
Rumors suggested friction between Brown and owner Vivek Ranadive due to Brown’s inability to replicate the previous season’s success. Additionally, there were significant differences in their compensation negotiations. Initially, Brown sought $10 million per year, while the Kings offered $7 million, with potential bonuses increasing it to $9 million. Ultimately, a compromise was reached, allowing Mike Brown to remain with the team.
It’s about time the Kings gave Mike Brown what he deserves. He’s the only Kings head coach since Adelman to:
*Post two consecutive winning seasons
*Take the Kings to the Playoffs
*Change the culture of the teamBrown’s extension will pay him $8.5 annually, with up to $10… pic.twitter.com/MraaOqmrx3
— Kevin John (@heykevinjohn) June 1, 2024
Brown’s Impact
Mike Brown was appointed as head coach in May 2022 and quickly revitalized the Kings. In his inaugural season, he led the team to a 48-34 record, securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and breaking the longest playoff drought in NBA history by making their first playoff appearance since 2006. The Kings, however, lost a hard-fought first-round series against the Golden State Warriors in seven games.
Recent Season Performance
Despite maintaining key players, the Kings failed to return to the playoffs this season. They finished with a 46-36 record, placing ninth and earning a spot in the Play-In Tournament. After defeating the Warriors in the first round, they eliminated by the New Orleans Pelicans in the game that determined the No. 8 seed. Injuries to key guards Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter during the regular season played a significant role in their early exit.
Future Challenges
With Brown’s extension secured, the Kings now focus on retaining Malik Monk, who has been instrumental in the team’s success over the past two seasons. Monk, a runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year, expected to receive a substantial pay raise. However, due to collective bargaining rules, the Kings can offer him a maximum of $77.9 million over four years, while other teams with more cap space could offer over $100 million for the same period. Monk has expressed a desire to stay in Sacramento, but financial incentives from other teams could influence his decision.
Mike Brown’s contract extension solidifies his position with the Kings, providing stability as the team navigates critical offseason decisions, including Monk’s free agency. Brown’s continued leadership aims to build on the team’s recent progress and strive for consistent playoff appearances.
Mike Brown and the Sacramento Kings agree on a three-year, $30 million extension that will carry him through the 2026-27 season per @ShamsCharania 💰 pic.twitter.com/0O8LEjMpGi
— Ball Exclusives (@ballexclusives) June 1, 2024
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