Are the Sacramento Kings Serious About Coach Mike Brown?
The latest NBA coaching contract frenzy may have gotten a little out of hand. After Tyronn Lue’s reported $70 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Clippers, the Sacramento Kings have now offered coach Mike Brown a three-year extension worth $21 million, with the possibility of bonuses that could bring it up to $27 million.
Brown is said to be seeking around $10 million annually, according to The Athletic. This aligns with previous reports from Yahoo’s Jake Fischer and The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Anthony Slater.
To put this in perspective, here are some recent head coaching contracts:
- Kosport Magazine’s take: This is a lot of money to be throwing around. As a sports magazine, we understand the value of a good coach, but these contracts are becoming excessive. Will they actually produce the desired results, or are teams just overpaying for a perceived need?
Kosport Magazine’s Take
Last week, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Sacramento had tabled extension talks with Brown, while The Kings Beat’s James Ham cited the team’s “failure to repeat the success of [2022-23]” as the reason for the delay. This could be a sign that the Kings are reassessing their options and considering a more financially prudent decision.
This stalemate with Brown raises questions: Does owner Vivek Ranadivé truly value the identity that this coaching staff has instilled in the team? Does he believe that this roster should have made a deep playoff run? Before making any rash decisions, the franchise should consider the stability and success that Brown has brought to the team with his Coach of the Year award and two winning seasons.
Last season, Sacramento improved on defense, but their offense dropped off significantly. They also lacked depth and two-way talent to compete in the tough Western Conference. These factors make it clear that the team has more work to do before becoming true contenders. Is it worth risking the stability and success of the team for a questionable coach at the helm?
Plus, Brown’s reported asking price is not out of step with the market. It’s not worth playing hardball and potentially alienating a valuable and respected member of the Kings organization. Remember the strange departures of previous coaches Michael Malone and Dave Joerger? It’s important for the Kings’ management to learn from past mistakes and make the best decision for their team and their future.
