NBA Rumors: Mike Brown, Kings ‘Have Tabled’ Contract Extension Talks

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIMay 25, 2024

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Contract extension talks between the Sacramento Kings and head coach Mike Brown have been tabled, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespnESPN Sources: After engaging in contract extension discussions, the Sacramento Kings and coach Mike Brown have tabled talks. There remains a gulf on a potential deal for Brown, who has one guaranteed season left on his contract. pic.twitter.com/AvYy4gaDGR

That news comes two days after Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported that contract extension talks “are expected to center around a similar eight-figure threshold” between Brown and the Kings.

Fischer cited Brown’s 2022-23 Coach of the Year win and some market-setting contracts, notably those of the Detroit Pistons’ Monty Williams (six years, $78.5 million) and the Phoenix Suns’ Mike Budenholzer (five years, $50 million).

Before Brown’s arrival in 2022, the Kings had missed the playoffs for 16 straight seasons. In addition, the 2021-22 team went just 30-52.

Under Brown, the 2022-23 Kings went 48-34, good enough for the third seed in the Western Conference and an 18-win improvement. Sacramento pushed the then-defending champion Golden State Warriors to seven games in the first round of the playoffs before falling short to the Dubs.

This past season saw the Kings in a race to make the playoffs. Sacramento did earn a play-in tournament berth after going 46-36 and beat the Warriors in the opening matchup. However, the Kings fell to the New Orleans Pelicans in their win-or-go-home game, ending the season.

Regardless of the result, the Kings have enjoyed their greatest success in two decades, and Brown is clearly a big reason for that. He’s certainly deserving of more pay and longer-term security. Right now, though, it’s clear Brown and the Kings are at a bit of an impasse.