In a shocking decision that surprised everyone in the world of basketball, the Kings immediately terminated the appointment of the general manager, Monte McNair. The decision was made within an hour after they suffered a season-ending 120–106 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks in the Play-In Tournament on Wednesday night.
The years of McNair’s presence led to an uncommon combination of accomplishments and difficulties that are now coming to an end. Surely, his tenure was associated with the Kings’ outstanding performances, such as the return to the playoffs after such a long absence, but McNair’s leaving so suddenly has left many people in the NBA community in shock.
Kings Fire GM Monte McNair Minutes After Play-In Loss
The Kings season of 2024-2025 came to an end in a disappointing way as they have to face defeat from the Mavericks eliminating them from the playoff race. Soon after the event, there was news that McNair and the organization had decided to split up and seek separation by mutual consent.
The Sacramento Kings and general manager Monte McNair are mutually parting ways, sources tell ESPN. McNair spent five seasons running the Kings, winning NBA executive of the year in 2023 when Sacramento went 48-34 and snapped a record 16-year drought to make the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/off3QWsZnU
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 17, 2025
This move occurred at a time that the team was facing a difficult time due to the sacking of their head coach Mike Brown after the 13-18 beginning of the season and the midseason trade of the star guard De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs. Nonetheless, the team was able to go through the upheaval and have a 40-42 record, so they were the ninth seed in the Western Conference when they left early.
The fact that McNair was fired and sent away has been a surprise for many, especially in view of the history of the organization. Since the owner Vivek Ranadive bought the franchise in 2013, the front office has undergone many changes. However, many of the changes have been accompanied by controversy, and some have led to the dissatisfaction of fans.
Monte McNair was given the Sacramento Kings’ general manager’s position at the beginning of September 2020 and he was responsible for using a data-driven strategy, applied during his 13-year tenure with the Houston Rockets.
His work remains in the hearts of fans due to the fact that he managed to put an end to the franchise’s 16-year drought without entering the playoffs in the 2022–23 season and he earned the NBA Executive of the Year award with this success.
One of McNair’s key decisions that guaranteed the Sacramento team’s playoff success was his selection of Tyrese Haliburton in the draft and thereafter trading him for All-Star Domantas Sabonis. The latter played a critical role in the team’s entry into the playoffs. It is also worth mentioning, the new head coach, Mike Brown, who won the Coach of the Year in 2023.
Nevertheless, the next seasons have seen the Kings failing to build on the good work of the past years. In 2024 and 2025, the team lost the playoffs, with internal disputes and the dramatic transformation of the team lineup being the root of the problem.
McNair’s resignation was caused by the shortage of players and coaches and the unstable performance rather than his will to leave the club.
Fans React to McNair’s Firing
The speed of Monte McNair’s departure from the Sacramento Kings left fans stunned, as the announcement came just minutes after the team’s 2025 play-in loss to the Dallas Mavericks. One user stated:
“Didn’t even let bruh drive home first”
Didn’t even let bruh drive home first 😭
— BucksRealm (@BucksRealm) April 17, 2025
One of the fans commented: “Packed him up as soon as the game was over”
The fan comment: “Dang mavericks got Monte McNair fired” directly ties the Sacramento Kings’ play-in loss to the Dallas Mavericks with McNair’s abrupt departure.
Dang mavericks got monte McNair fired
— Capt. Moon (@HLMoonIt) April 17, 2025
“Packed him up quick asf,” one fan wrote.
In summary, Monte McNair’s tenure with the Sacramento Kings was marked by both notable achievements and significant challenges. His leadership ended the franchise’s 16-year playoff drought in the 2022–23 season, earning him the NBA Executive of the Year award. However, subsequent seasons saw the team struggle to maintain that momentum, leading to consecutive playoff misses in 2024 and 2025.
