Kings extend Divac through 2022-23 season

It's been a good week for Vlade Divac.

The Sacramento Kings have rewarded their general manager with a four-year contract extension through the 2022-23 season, the team announced Thursday.

"It is an exciting time to be in Sacramento and I am honored to continue my work of building towards sustained success for this franchise," Divac said in a statement. "I believe our team has what it takes to win and make the playoffs. I want to thank Vivek, the entire Kings organization and the fans for all their support."

Divac, a former Kings player, joined the organization's front office in March 2015 as vice president of basketball and franchise operations. Owner Vivek Ranadive promoted him to general manager the following August.

During Divac's tenure, Sacramento set forth on a rebuild by trading away former franchise center DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017 and then building around fifth overall pick De'Aaron Fox and shooting guard Buddy Hield - the latter of whom was acquired from the Pelicans in the Cousins deal.

"Throughout his entire career, Vlade is someone who has always made those around him better, both on and off the court. I look forward to our bright future ahead as we work to make Sacramento proud," Ranadive said.

Though the Kings didn't qualify for this year's postseason, their 39-win total was their highest in the regular season since 2005-06 - the last time they made the playoffs.

The 51-year-old Divac played 16 seasons in the NBA from 1989-2005. On Saturday, he was announced as an inductee for the Basketball Hall of Fame's Class of 2019.