The former Executive of the Year joins Los Angeles to navigate a high-stakes rebuild following the end of the star-studded Kawhi Leonard and Paul George era.
Monte McNair took an advisory role with the Los Angeles Clippers after mutually parting ways with the Sacramento Kings last year, and has rejoined the Clippers in the same role.
The Athletic's Sam Amick reported the news first on Monday afternoon. It came after former Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura signed a two-year, $28 million contract with the Clippers.
McNair, as an advisor, is providing guidance to the Clippers' front office during a critical transition period. They traded Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors and selected Illinois freshman guard Keaton Wagler with the fifth overall pick in last month's draft.
Los Angeles once had James Harden, Paul George and Leonard on the same team, aiming to compete for a title. Now that era is over, McNair is assisting with the transition.
His experience as the Kings' general manager for five seasons (2020-2025) could help turn the Clippers' franchise around sooner rather than later. Sacramento hired McNair on Sept. 17, 2020, and he built the foundation of a playoff team over the years.
He selected Iowa State guard Tyrese Haliburton with the 12th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Haliburton's selection mitigated the loss of guard Bogdan Bogdanović to the Atlanta Hawks in free agency.
Sacramento had a talented backcourt with De'Aaron Fox's speed and scoring and Haliburton's playmaking. The Kings were rewarded with the ninth overall pick in 2021 after finishing the season 10 games under. 500 (31-41).
McNair selected Baylor guard Davion Mitchell to beef up Sacramento's defense after allowing 117.4 points per game. The Kings missed the playoffs again, finishing the season 30-52.
Then, McNair made a blockbuster trade during the 2021-22 season. He sent Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers for center Domantas Sabonis on Feb. 8, 2022, and it was the trade that helped the Kings make history next season.
The Kings received the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and selected Iowa forward Keegan Murray. McNair also hired Mike Brown as the coach, traded for sharpshooter Kevin Huerter and signed free agent guard Malik Monk.
Sacramento's general manager built a roster that went on to break a 16-year playoff drought. He won Executive of the Year for the Kings, as the team finished the season with a 48-34 record, and Brown won Coach of the Year.
McNair finally had a successful season, and it was historic. It led to a multi-year extension for him, but the success was short-lived.
The team failed to make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons as injuries plagued the roster, and he traded away the franchise superstar. He sent Fox to the San Antonio Spurs last February.
Both parties mutually parted ways after two disappointing seasons, and McNair joined the Clippers as an advisor last season. Although he had one successful season as the Kings' general manager, he did create the foundation for a playoff team.
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