Mike Brown and Kings have put talks about contract extension “on hold”

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, talks about a contract extension between the Sacramento Kings and head coach Mike Brown have been postponed.

This news comes two days after Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported that contract extension talks between Brown and the Kings “are expected to revolve around a similar eight-figure amount.”

Fischer pointed to Brown's 2022-23 Coach of the Year award as well as some market-defining contracts, notably those of Monty Williams of the Detroit Pistons (six years, $78.5 million) and Mike Budenholzer of the Phoenix Suns (five years, $50 million).

Before Brown's arrival in 2022, the Kings had missed the playoffs for 16 consecutive seasons. In addition, the team only managed a 30-52 record in 2021-22.

Under Brown, the Kings went 48-34 in 2022-23, good for third place in the Western Conference and an 18-win improvement. Sacramento forced the then-defending champion Golden State Warriors to seven games in the first round of the playoffs before losing to the Dubs.

Last season, the Kings fought to make the playoffs. Sacramento actually made it to the play-in tournament with a 46-36 score and a win against the Warriors in the opening game. However, the Kings lost their decisive game to the New Orleans Pelicans, which ended the season.

Regardless of the outcome, the Kings have enjoyed their greatest success in two decades, and Brown is clearly a big reason why. He definitely deserves more salary and long-term security. For now, however, it's clear that Brown and the Kings are at an impasse.