Report: Friction Emerges Between Kings Coach Doug Christie and Players Amid 6-20 Start
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With the Sacramento Kings stumbling to a 6-20 record, the organization is reportedly weighing trades involving several veterans before the Feb. 5 deadline, according to Marc J. Spears of Andscape.
The team’s struggles have intensified in recent weeks, dropping 15 of the last 18 contests and seven of the past eight. Spears reports that some players have grown disconnected from head coach Doug Christie and his staff during the slide.
Christie, who replaced Mike Brown midway through the 2024-25 campaign, guided Sacramento to a 27-24 finish last season. Although the club exited quickly in the play-in round and later revamped its front office, new general manager Scott Perry retained Christie on a full-time basis.
The coach publicly criticized his roster for a “shameful effort” after a losing stretch in early November but has lessened his public reproach despite continued defeats. Internally, Perry recently told Sam Amick of The Athletic that he has “complete confidence” in Christie and is not considering a coaching change.
Christie’s contract, finalized in the spring, is guaranteed for two seasons at roughly $2 million per year—well below the league’s average head-coach salary. The modest deal means Sacramento could make another coaching move with limited financial repercussions, though current trade chatter suggests roster changes may come first.
Source: Hoops Rumors