There’s no denying what Mike Brown’s efforts have meant to the Sacramento Kings. He guided them to their first playoff appearance since 2006. Better yet, even if they didn’t return to the postseason, their results this season showed that 2023 was no fluke.
With the success they’ve had with Brown calling the shots, the Kings also have to think about Brown’s long-term future with the team. The Kings have had a nasty history of letting solid coaches leave before they should have, like Mike Malone and Dave Joerger. With Mike Brown, that shouldn’t be the case, knowing the heights he’s taken them.
The Lakers next head coaching hire will influence Mike Brown’s price tag
Certain factors will influence the Kings’ negotiations with Brown on his next contract. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the salary of the Lakers’ next head coach will impact Brown’s price tag. Fischer noted that the results of the Lakers’ hiring process and the ongoing coaching cycle, which has already seen paydays for Jason Kidd and new Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer, will add context to Brown’s contract extension discussions in Sacramento.
Fischer detailed the kind of contract Brown might receive from the Kings. With Brown’s Coach of the Year recognition and new salary benchmarks set by Monty Williams’ $70-plus million deal with Detroit and Mike Budenholzer’s $10 million average annual salary, Brown’s negotiations are likely to focus on a similar eight-figure range. Williams’ contract reflected his success in Phoenix, though it hasn’t proved to be a good decision for Detroit so far. While Budenholzer is a championship-winning coach, Brown’s last NBA Finals appearance as head coach was in 2007.
On the one hand, that may sound lucrative for someone who has guided the Kings to the first round of the postseason. On the other hand, there’s a fair case that this is simply the beginning of a new era in Sacramento, and more successful times lie ahead for them as they put their trust in Brown.
Now, of course, they have to play their cards right, like maybe hiring Darvin Ham to Brown’s staff, but the Kings have something on their hands, and Brown’s role in their recent success shouldn’t be overlooked. He’ll have to prove it first, but all indcations are that he’s been worth the investment.
