There’s a lingering hint of uncertainty regarding whether an agreement will be reached. Recently, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski revealed that discussions between Mike Brown and the Sacramento Kings had been put on hold. However, it seems that progress is now being made as both parties engage in negotiations.
Kings, Mike Brown Take Next Step In Contract Negotiations
The Kings have reportedly proposed a three-year contract extension worth $21 million for Brown, running until 2026-27, including $6 million in bonuses, as reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Sacramento Kings have made a competitive offer to head coach Mike Brown on a contract extension – three years and $21 million through 2026-27, up to $27 million with bonuses, sources say. So far, no agreement. Brown is believed to be seeking around $10 million annually.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 31, 2024
This offer is said to resemble the one given to Jason Kidd by the Dallas Mavericks, according to Sean Cunningham of FOX40 News. Kidd, aged 54, is seeking a yearly salary around $10 million, which matches what Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer earns, as noted by Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee.
Brown, who gained prominence during LeBron James’s initial tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers, will enter the final season of his current contract in 2024-25.
Mike Brown’s Mixed Review
Recruited by the Kings in 2022, Brown quickly made his mark. During the 2022-23 season, Sacramento surprised many by winning 48 games and securing the No. 3 seed in the playoffs, a remarkable turnaround from their dismal 30-52 record the previous year. Brown optimized De’Aaron Fox’s performance, leading to Fox’s first All-Star selection, and tailored the team’s offensive strategy to maximize Domantas Sabonis’s abilities, resulting in Sabonis being recognized as an All-NBA center.
However, the team regressed in the following season, with Fox relying too heavily on his shooting, Sabonis’s defensive weaknesses becoming apparent, and Keegan Murray struggling to replicate his rookie success. Additionally, the Kings struggled against weaker opponents, posting a disappointing 18-23 record against sub-.500 teams.
Despite finishing the season with a 46-36 record, not far off from the previous year, the Kings slipped to the No. 9 seed and had to win two Play-In Tournament games to reach the playoffs. Although they convincingly defeated the Golden State Warriors in the first game, they faltered against the New Orleans Pelicans in the next, with Fox and Murray both struggling from beyond the arc.
At season’s end, the Kings’ ownership expressed dissatisfaction with Brown’s performance, citing concerns about his ability to motivate the team and hold players accountable, despite acknowledging that he couldn’t directly control their shooting abilities.
The Last Word on Mike Brown
Brown’s $5 million option for 2024-25 remains inadequate considering his extensive experience, track record of success, and background. Additionally, while Brown had some shortcomings during the 2023-24 season, it’s important to acknowledge that certain issues within the Kings’ organization also contributed to their challenges. Just as no roster is flawless, no coach is either. It’s the responsibility of the front office to provide optimal support to both the roster and the coach.
To bolster their team, Sacramento must prioritize acquiring a rim-protector for Brown. They also need to find a starting shooting guard who excels on both offense and defense. Lastly, they should enhance their bench depth, regardless of whether Malik Monk chooses to re-sign as a free agent.
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