Defying Rumors: Mike Brown Agrees to Three-Year Extension with Kings Despite Rift Speculation
Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown has agreed to a three-year contract extension, securing his position through the 2026-27 season. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, this new deal includes a raise to $8.5 million per season. This agreement follows reports of a significant rift between Brown and the Kings’ ownership regarding contract terms.
Earlier this month, Kings beat writer James Ham noted that Brown’s inability to replicate the previous season’s success did not sit well with ownership. Adrian Wojnarowski also reported a “gulf” in compensation expectations, with Brown initially seeking $10 million per year while the Kings offered $7 million, potentially rising to $9 million with bonuses. Despite these tensions, a compromise was reached, and Brown secured his desired compensation.
Mike Brown’s Impact
Mike Brown joined the Kings in May 2022 and quickly revitalized the team. In his first season, he led Sacramento to a 48-34 record, earning the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and their first playoff appearance since 2006. This achievement ended the longest playoff drought in NBA history and in major North American professional sports. Although the Kings lost a heartbreaking first-round series to the Golden State Warriors in seven games, Mike Brown’s leadership was widely praised.
The following season, the Kings were unable to return to the playoffs despite a respectable 46-36 record, which placed them ninth in the Western Conference. They secured a spot in the Play-In Tournament, where they defeated the Warriors in the first round but lost to the New Orleans Pelicans in the decisive game for the No. 8 seed. Injuries to key players Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter were significant setbacks. Had they been healthy, the Kings might have achieved a playoff berth, potentially simplifying Brown’s contract negotiations.
With Brown’s extension finalized, the Kings will now focus on Malik Monk’s free agency. Monk, who excelled as the runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year, is expected to receive a substantial raise. The Kings can offer a four-year, $77.9 million contract due to collective bargaining rules, while other teams with more cap space might offer over $100 million. Monk has expressed a desire to stay in Sacramento, but the financial allure from other teams could influence his decision. Losing Monk would be a significant blow to the Kings, as his bench scoring has been crucial to their recent success.
Securing Mike Brown through the 2026-27 season allows the Kings to maintain stability in their coaching staff as they aim to build on recent successes. With a talented roster and a committed head coach, Sacramento’s future looks promising as they navigate the challenges of free agency and strive for continued improvement.