Luke Walton will remain as the Kings’ head coach, a league source tells James Ham of NBC Sports Bay Area (Twitter link).
Walton had been publicly supported by numerous players, including Tyrese Haliburton, Richaun Holmes and Harrison Barnes, who praised their head coach in media interviews on Monday. The Kings made a belated playoff run despite injury and illness and Walton also has a strong working relationship with GM Monte McNair and the front office (Twitter links).
Walton had said over the weekend he was “very confident” he’d be retained. Monetary factors worked in Walton’s favor as well, since he’s reportedly owed $11.5MM over the next two seasons.
Walton spoke of ending the team’s playoff drought next season prior to the season finale, saying this offseason will be critical. The team has gone 31-41 in each of Walton’s seasons at the helm.
“We have an offseason plan put in place from when they’re going to be in Sacramento, and what coaches will be working with them, and what we need them focused on,” Walton said.
Walton will speak to the media on Tuesday.
Kings are the epitome of stuck in neutral
There is a key member of the Kings not mentioned in that public support of Walton. What does De’Aaron Fox think and could it be a sign that he might be moved if he is not fully on board? Or am I just overthinking this because I am bored?
I’d assume he’s frustrated and won’t publicly voice that. But if you’re implying he might be traded, no, no chance
Fox spoke up a little earlier and said he thought the team was moving personnel around too much, that the FO should not be trying major changes. That was maybe helpful in getting other players to speak up and feel more secure.
I liked it b/c he may have been referring to Fi Kabengele, who is doing well on the Cavs after SAC waived him. PER14 but not hitting those 3s yet.
Too many good teams in the West, so Kings decided to continue tanking. Two years ago when Kings got the nineth seed, management did not see enough tanking so they fired the coach to hire Walton. At this rate, Fox might be long gone when the Kings finally become a contender.
Fox might be 6 feet under before the kings are a contender
Only in Sacramento can Walton’s job be safe. One of those things that just can’t be explained.
$11.5M due to him over next 2 seasons..I think that easily explains it.
No doubt. But all the money vested in the players and brand, sometimes it’s cheaper to cut your losses. And if continued, I’m sure some of those players are going to walk or force a sign and trade. It starts at the top.
^^This! If the team sucks anyway might as well not piss away more money
You know you still have the pay the new coach, right? That also costs money.
While I’m not a fan of Walton, this is the right move financially and for stability. Fox signed a max contract last year, so he let us know that he’s fine staying put. Halliburton will do better his second year under the same coach. It’s Bagley who is going to be an issue and his tenure is not safe.
The Roster as I see it, for next season :
——————————————————–
PF Either Draft Pick or FA
SF 6-8 Barnes
C 6-10 Holmes (Resign and Keep him)
SG 6-6 Haliburton
PG 6-3 Fox
——————————————————–
PF 6-9 Metu
SF Either Draft Pick or FA
C 7-0 Jones
SG 6-5 Davis
PG 6-5 Wright
——————————————————–
PF Either FA or Draft Pick
SF 6-6 Woodard
C Either FA or Draft Pick
SG 6-4 Ramsey
PG Either Free Agent or Draft Pick
=================================
Trade Hield – too Inconsistent
Trade Bagley – too Injury prone
Harkless Toss Up, Resign him or Release him
Release Guy
Release James
King ???? Maybe resign him
The problem is we will make moves to improve, but so will everyone else and in the West Division, I don’t see GS, LAL, LAC going anywhere anytime soon !!
Trading Hield is easier said than done. Not going to find many suitors for an expensive, somewhat inefficient (overall) scorer who does little else on the court.
He’s good at shooting threes, but that seems to be all he does these days. His two-point attempts have plummeted, while his three-point attempts have steadily risen. He had 271 2P attempts vs 721 3P attempts this year; just two years ago it was 729 2P vs 651 3P attempts. Is he just a catch and shoot guy now? They’re a dime a dozen, and most don’t cost $20 million a year like Hield does.
Yeah, they’d need to sprinkle something in there for someone to take that contract. Possible, but not easy.
Ah don’t Collins:-)
And a new PF draft pick.
Upgrade :-)
They need to move bagley and hield. Not really sure how much value either has.
Smart moves by the kings brass. Walton is a very talented ball player that can lead this team to a ship. I played some collage ball with him, and let me tell you this kid can SHOOT. His ability to hit from anywhere is a special talent.
Seemed like an simple choice. Oh welp the sucking shall continue.
I purchased the NBA league pass this year and watched almost all of the Kings games. I agree with bringing back Walton. The Kings are close to challenging for a playoff spot. Holmes had a great year with his push shot but he’s not a rim protector on defense. They need a quality backup center who is defensive minded. Whiteside is a joke and they need to let him walk. Fox is an incredible athlete who needs to be more consistent from the 3 point range. He starts hitting 38% from 3 and know one is going to be able to guard him. Buddy Hield needs to be more consistent. Bagley needs to continue to improve but he’s injured a lot. Halliburton should win rookie of the year.