Luke Walton will remain as the Kings’ head coach, James Ham of NBC Sports Bay Area tweets.
Walton had been publicly supported by numerous players, including Tyrese Haliburton, Richaun Holmes and Harrison Barnes, who praised their head coach in media interviews on Monday. The Kings made a belated playoff run despite injury and illness and Walton also has a strong working relationship with GM Monte McNair and the front office. (Twitter links).
Walton had said over the weekend he was “very confident” he’d be retained. Monetary factors worked in Walton’s favor as well, since he’s reportedly owed $11.5MM over the next two seasons.
Walton spoke of ending the team’s playoff drought next season prior to the season finale, saying this offseason will be critical. The team has gone 31-41 in each of Walton’s seasons at the helm.
“We have an offseason plan put in place from when they’re going to be in Sacramento, and what coaches will be working with them, and what we need them focused on,” Walton said.
Walton will speak to the media on Tuesday.
More must-reads: