The Sacramento Kings have made a swift and significant change in their front office, finalizing a deal to hire Scott Perry as their new general manager just hours after parting ways with Monte McNair. The decision comes in the wake of a disappointing loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Play-In tournament on April 16, 2025, which marked the end of their season.
Scott Perry, a seasoned NBA executive known for his extensive experience, will take over the reins of the Kings’ basketball operations. Perry previously spent a brief stint with the Kings in 2017 before moving on to the New York Knicks, where he served as general manager from 2017 to 2023. His hiring was first reported by Sam Amick of The Athletic, and confirmed by multiple sources including ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Monte McNair's departure from the Kings comes after a five-year tenure that saw the team break a 16-year playoff drought. Under McNair's leadership, the Kings achieved a franchise-best record of 48-34 during the 2022-2023 season, earning him the NBA Executive of the Year award. His time with the Kings was marked by a resurgence in team performance, with the franchise winning 40 or more games in three consecutive seasons—a feat they hadn’t accomplished since the 2005-06 season.
Despite these successes, the Kings' management decided it was time for a change following their exit from the playoffs. Kings owner Vivek Ranadive confirmed the news of McNair's departure, expressing gratitude for his contributions. In a heartfelt statement, McNair reflected on his time with the Kings, saying, "The Beam Team brought so much joy to so many. Thank you to the players, coaches, and staff who played such a vital role in creating those special moments and memories."
Perry’s return to the Kings marks a new chapter for the franchise as they look to build on the progress made under McNair. His experience includes previous roles with the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic, and he is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to the Kings' roster construction.
As the Kings prepare for an uncertain offseason, they face several critical decisions. Currently, they are unlikely to hold a first-round draft pick in the upcoming June 2025 NBA Draft, as it is owed to the Atlanta Hawks as part of the trade for Kevin Huerter in 2023. This puts additional pressure on Perry to make strategic moves to enhance the team’s competitiveness.
The Kings' offseason schedule is packed with important dates. The NBA Playoffs will begin on April 20, 2025, followed by the NBA Draft Lottery on May 12. The 2025 NBA Draft is set for June 25, while free agency negotiations will commence on June 30, with official signings starting on July 6. The Las Vegas NBA Summer League will take place from July 10 to 20, giving new prospects a chance to showcase their talents.
Looking ahead, the Kings are also tasked with finding a new head coach to lead the team into the next season. The uncertainty surrounding the coaching position adds another layer of complexity to the offseason, as the franchise aims to solidify its leadership and direction moving forward.
Perry’s hiring is seen as a proactive step by the Kings to ensure they remain competitive in the Western Conference. The team has shown promise in recent years, and with Perry at the helm, fans are hopeful that the Kings can continue to build on their recent success.
As the Kings embark on this new journey with Scott Perry, the basketball world will be watching closely to see how he shapes the future of the franchise. With a mix of experienced leadership and a young, talented roster, the Kings are poised for what could be an exciting new era.
In conclusion, the Sacramento Kings are at a pivotal moment, transitioning from the McNair era to the Perry era. With the right moves, they could solidify their place in the NBA landscape and finally make a deep playoff run that fans have long awaited.
