Some eyebrows were raised following Mike Brown’s return to Sacramento on January 14th when the former Kings head coach departed the floor without exchanging pleasantries with any of his former players or staff.

Two weeks later, Brown and his former players showed mutual respect as the final buzzer sounded after the New York Knicks’ win over Sacramento on Tuesday night.

The Knicks’ broadcast on MSG Network captured Brown’s postgame interaction with Kings center Domantas Sabonis, guard Malik Monk, and forward Keegan Murray, three players who were staples throughout the former Coach of the Year Award winner’s tenure in Sacramento.

Since firing Brown, the Kings are 39-60 (.394), including this year’s 12-36 mark, which has Sacramento on the fast track to a rebuild and a high NBA Draft Lottery pick.

Brown’s Knicks (28-18) are tied with Toronto for the third seed in the Eastern Conference standings.

Mike Brown hugs Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk, Keegan Murray & Kings staff while Doug Christie makes a beeline for Clyde pic.twitter.com/GuvuI3ZOtL

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 28, 2026

More on Mike Brown & the Sacramento Kings

Mike Brown’s firing in December 2024 was the first domino to fall in the dismantling of the inaugural ‘Beam Team,’ with former franchise guard De’Aaron Fox being traded just over a month later to San Antonio after telling the Kings he wouldn’t play for another coach in Sacramento except for Brown.

Over parts of three seasons as head coach of the Sacramento Kings, Mike Brown compiled a record of 195-107 (.549), including a 3-4 record in the 2022-23 playoffs–the franchise’s first postseason appearance in 17 years.

The unanimous 2022-23 NBA Coach of the Year winner didn’t take long to find a new home, as Brown inked a four-year, $40 million deal during the offseason to become the head coach of a New York Knicks team that was just two wins away from an NBA Finals berth last season.

Brown spoke to local media before his return to Golden 1 Center earlier this month, expressing his love for the Kings’ fanbase and the Sacramento community, one he enjoyed living in for three years.

“There were a lot of great memories that we had here,” Brown said before facing his old team. “At the end of the day, I enjoyed my time here, and I enjoyed the people here.”

Some sights and sounds from Brown’s return to Sacramento:

Mike Brown gets a nice ovation in his return to Sacramento: pic.twitter.com/4LyU6ebdcf

— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) January 15, 2026

Vivek Ranadivé greets Mike Brown in his return to G1C 🤝 pic.twitter.com/8eoaqMoAzQ

— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) January 15, 2026

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

The Sacramento Kings may not be able to declare that they are “tanking” for obvious reasons, but it’s no secret that the franchise has its eyes set on the top of the 2026 NBA Draft.

Through 48 games, Sacramento holds a 12-38 record, placing them just a half-game ahead of the New Orleans Pelicans for the worst record in the Western Conference.

As we move closer to the NBA trade deadline (Thursday, February 5th at 12 pm PT), the Kings could make some moves that open up the rotation or give new players a look as first-year general manager Scott Perry evaluates the next steps for this top-heavy roster.

Decision time is near for Perry and the Sacramento Kings, but what does that mean for the NBA Draft and NBA Draft Lottery? What exactly are the Kings chasing during the final half of what appears to be a lost regular season?

Sacramento Kings Tank Update: Close to No. 1?

Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season

Thursday, January 29th – @ Philadelphia 76ers – 4:00 PM PT
Sunday, January 30th – @ Boston Celtics – 4:30 PM PT
Sunday, February 1st – @ Washington Wizards – 3:00 PM PT
Wednesday, February 4th – vs. Memphis Grizzlies – 7:00 PM PT
Friday, February 6th – vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 7:00 PM PT

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.