Perry Set for Kings Return as New GM

Long time NBA front-office executive Scott Perry, a current ESPN analyst, spent three months as the Sacramento Kings’ executive vice president of basketball operations in 2017.

Almost eight years later, Perry is returning to the Kings as their new general manager, a person with knowledge of the move confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.

The individual requested anonymity since he was not authorized to speak publicly about the Kings’ decision.

Perry takes the reins from Monte McNair, who mutually parted way with the Kings following their 120-106 season-ending loss to the Dallas Mavericks in a Western Conference play-in game Wednesday.

“I want to sincerely thank Monte for his leadership and the invaluable contributions he made during his time in Sacramento,” Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé said in a statement. “He helped build a strong foundation for continued success here, and we wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavors.”

The Kings moved swiftly in the hiring of Perry who has been an NBA front-office executive for a quarter of a century, starting with his hometown Detroit Pistons.

Perry has a lot of heavy lifting to do for a team that finished a disappointing 40-42, six fewer victories than last season and eight fewer than in 2022-23. Finding a permanent head coach and improving the roster are his main objectives. Interim coach Doug Christie took over for Mike Brown, who was shown the door on December 27, and Christie, who has blood, sweat and tears in the organization as a player, wants the full-time job.

“This is where I want to be,” he told reporters after Wednesday’s loss.
Perry has also worked for the Seattle SuperSonics, now the Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic and New York Knicks. His abbreviated stint with the Kings was short-lived because he had an opportunity that he could not pass up; to become general manager of the Knicks but he left the Kings on good terms with Ranadivé.

ESPN initially reported the news of Perry’s hiring, and his name was mentioned by The Athletic early Thursday as a strong possibility.