Kings' new GM McNair: Walton will return as coach next season

New Sacramento Kings general manager Monte McNair doesn't intend to make sweeping changes behind the bench.

McNair spoke to media Wednesday for the first time since his hiring last week and confirmed that head coach Luke Walton will helm the squad again next season.

"I'm really excited to work with him and I think we're aligned in our vision and we're going to start implementing it," he said, according to James Ham of NBC Sports.

Walton's future in Sacramento looked uncertain after he led the team to a 31-41 regular-season record in his first year as head coach. The Kings qualified to take part in the seeding games at the NBA's campus in Orlando but went 3-5, prolonging their postseason drought to 14 straight seasons.

Former GM Vlade Divac's decision to suddenly step down in August also contributed to doubt over Walton's status, as Divac hired the 40-year-old in April 2019. However, McNair said he and Walton have found common ground in recent days despite not previously having a relationship with one another, according to Ham.