Kings NBA NBA West

Sacramento Kings in Desperate Need for Change

Cory NelsonApril 21, 20251 Mins read783

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 25, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 123-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

The Sacramento Kings have struggled to recapture their playoff days for two decades.

In 2023, their hopes came alive as they punched a ticket to the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2006. Although they lost to the Golden State Warriors in the first round, the future looked bright.

However, things are foggy once again. On Wednesday, they lost to the Dallas Mavericks in a must-win Play-In game, eliminating them from playoff contention for a second straight year.

The Kings are missing an important piece

In a season filled with surprising trades, the Kings orchestrated their own.

On Feb. 3, they sent De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in a three-team trade involving the Chicago Bulls. In return, the Kings received shooting guard Zach LaVine, three first-round picks, and three second-round picks.

Although they acquired an electrifying player in LaVine, losing Fox took a toll on the Kings. Along with winning just 15 of their last 33 games, the roster was off balance.

After trading Fox, the Kings were left without their primary playmaker and had to rely on shooting guards Malik Monk and Keon Ellis to take over the point guard position. Due to this, they averaged only 25.8 assists to finish the season, placing them 20th in the league.

During Wednesday’s loss, the Kings recorded only 23 assists while Ellis had just one. In the postgame interview, center Domantas Sabonis discussed the urgency to acquire a floor general.

“The biggest thing is that we need a point guard,” Sabonis said.

A very interesting exit interview for Domantas Sabonis, who talked about their need for a PG, wanting to be involved in decision making, and more: pic.twitter.com/SDW4EnFwoK

— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) April 17, 2025

Kings already preparing for the future

Just hours following Wednesday’s loss, the Kings began making changes in the front office.

General manager Monte McNair and the Kings “mutually parted ways” after five years in Sacramento.

The Sacramento Kings and general manager Monte McNair are mutually parting ways, sources tell ESPN. McNair spent five seasons running the Kings, winning NBA executive of the year in 2023 when Sacramento went 48-34 and snapped a record 16-year drought to make the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/off3QWsZnU

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 17, 2025

Longtime NBA executive Scott Perry is slated to take McNair’s spot. On Apr. 21, 2017, the Kings hired Perry to become their vice president of basketball operations. Although he was only there for three months, he still has a basic understanding of the Kings’ organization.

The Kings’ season didn’t end as expected, leaving many fans uncertain about the future. However, the team is quickly beginning the necessary changes to “light the beam” once again.

Written by

Cory Nelson

I'm Cory Nelson and I'm a huge basketball head. I played for a local club when I was a teenager and started loving the sport right then. Now, I watch as many NBA and WNBA games as possible, all while covering the sport! I previously worked for Sports Illustrated's fan site "Inside the Heat" and Fansided's site "Wiz of Awes"