Vivek Ranadive Keeps Promise Of Autonomy For Kings GM Scott Perry

Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive has kept his word in allowing general manager Scott Perry full decision-making freedom over the past four months, according to team sources. Perry was hired in April with a mandate to create and build a sustainable winner after Ranadive cycled through five front offices and eight coaches since buying the team in 2013.

"Vivek and I are 100 percent aligned and I think any suggestion opposite of that would be totally false," Perry said. "We talk all the time. Obviously, he's passionate about his team, but we are aligned on the vision, and we both understand that there could be some short-term pain in order for some good long-term gain."

Perry represents the unquestioned voice guiding the franchise direction as the Kings sit at 8-29 with the league's 28th-ranked defense and 29th-ranked offense. The organization is about to miss the playoffs for the 19th time in 20 years.

The longer-term question remains whether Perry's decision-making autonomy continues during the inevitable challenges of a multiyear rebuild. Ranadive's track record shows a pattern of reducing front office autonomy when results disappoint.

Former general manager Monte McNair and coach Mike Brown were described as having significant autonomy in McNair's early days after his September 2020 hiring. That freedom steadily reduced as McNair's draft picks and roster moves failed to produce sustained success. Team sources indicated Ranadive grabbed firmer control of basketball operations from McNair before the 2024-25 season began.

Perry's biggest decision came when he signed forward Keegan Murray to a five-year, $140 million extension with no opt-outs on either side. The deal ties Murray to Sacramento through the 2030-31 season as the cornerstone of the rebuild.

Perry's plan centers on six pillars including competitiveness, toughness, discipline, accountability, team orientation and professionalism. The general manager openly covets positional size and defensive versatility as he builds a roster to fit a fast-paced, physical approach.

"Six-eight, six-nine and a two-way player," Perry said of Murray. "Extremely valuable."

The Kings currently hold the third-worst record in the league, providing a 52.1 percent chance at a top-four pick in the 2026 draft. Perry called the upcoming draft class strong and emphasized building through the draft remains a priority.

Perry acknowledged the road ahead will be difficult but maintained Ranadive supports the vision for long-term success over short-term fixes. The general manager said he will remain prudent and opportunistic rather than making rash decisions under pressure.

"I use the phrase prudent and opportunistic," Perry said. "Which I'm going to continue to be. I'm not someone who's going to do something rash. Nothing rushed or panicked."