Kings plan to keep Doug Christie as head coach despite 22-59 season
kings-to-keep-doug-christie-as-head-coach
The Sacramento Kings intend to retain head coach Doug Christie through the upcoming offseason, according to team sources cited by Sam Amick of The Athletic.
Christie, 56, stepped in as interim coach in December 2024 after the dismissal of Mike Brown and was promoted to the full-time post last summer on a three-year contract that guarantees the first two seasons. Sacramento entered Tuesday at 22-59, tied for the NBA’s fourth-worst record.
Club officials told Amick they lacked a fair barometer for evaluating Christie’s first full campaign, pointing to a roster already facing shortcomings and a string of significant injuries. Still, they were encouraged by the progress of several young players, a sentiment ESPN’s Anthony Slater echoed on social media while confirming the decision.
With the coaching situation settled, the Kings are expected to revisit trade discussions involving veterans Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk and DeMar DeRozan this summer, Amick reported. Sacramento held extensive talks with Toronto about Sabonis before February’s deadline but balked at absorbing Jakob Poeltl’s contract.
The organization has not determined DeRozan’s future, team sources added. Only $10 million of the wing’s $25.74 million salary for 2026-27 is guaranteed.
Source: HoopsRumors
