Source: Malone Reaches Deal to be Kings’ Coach

Source: Malone Reaches Deal to be Kings’ Coach

SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 21: DeMarcus Cousins #15 (center) of the Sacramento Kings and the rest of the Kings bench celebrates after the Kings made a basket during their game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Power Balance Pavilion on November 21, 2012 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - A person familiar with the decision says the Sacramento Kings have reached an agreement with Golden State Warriors assistant Mike Malone to be their head coach.

The person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday night because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said Malone was incoming owner Vivek Ranadive's top choice. Ranadive has been a minority owner of the Warriors the past three seasons and is closing a sale with the Maloof family to buy the Kings.

Malone's hiring officially ends Keith Smart's tenure as Sacramento's coach. Smart took over for the fired Paul Westphal in January 2012 and had one year remaining on his contract.

Yahoo Sports first reported the agreement.

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Filed Under: Golden State Warriors, Mike Malone, NBA, Sacramento Kings
Categories: Sports

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