Golden State Warriors assistant coach Mike Malone is the top target to coach the Sacramento Kings, according to USA Today's Sam Amick. Vivek Ranadive, who this week took formal control of the franchise after buying it from the Maloof family, is deep into a search for the team's new general manager but could be comfortable with hiring a head coach first.
Kings eyeing Mike Malone as next coach, according to report
Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive is reportedly keen on chasing after Golden State Warriors assistant Mike Malone, and a hire could be made before the new owner brings on a general manager.
USA TODAY Sports
Malone has been in the running for numerous head coaching opportunities over the last few years and is widely-respected for helping the Warriors' on the defensive side of the ball. Before he joined Jackson's staff in Golden State, Malone coached as an assistant for the New Orleans Hornets and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
It's not quite a lock for Malone to join the Warriors. His relationship with Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul, who he coached with the Hornets, made him a candidate to consider that job opening as well.
Though current Kings coach Keith Smart hasn't been dismissed yet, it's widely expected the new ownership group will make a change whether it be with Malone as a replacement or otherwise.
Ranadive has already made it clear he is searching for a new general manager to clean the cupboard. Current general manager Geoff Petrie has already been told he'll be out, and USA Today reports that Sacramento is interested in Warriors assistant general manager Travis Schlenk and Memphis Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace.
Additionally, former Pacers general manager David Morway could also draw interest down the line, and the Oklahoma City Thunder denied permission for the Kings to speak with assistant general manager Troy Weaver.
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