[1] During the off-season, the Kings acquired Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf from the Denver Nuggets,[2][3][4][5] and signed free agent Jeff Grayer in January.
[11][12][13] The Kings would rebound to get back into playoff contention, holding a 21–28 record at the All-Star break.
[14] However, after holding a 28–32 record as of March 5, 1997,[15] the team went on a 7-game losing streak as head coach Garry St. Jean was fired, and replaced with assistant Eddie Jordan for the remainder of the season.
[19] Mitch Richmond averaged 25.9 points and 1.5 steals per game, led the Kings with 204 three-point field goals, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team, finished tied in thirteenth place in Most Valuable Player voting,[20][21] and was also selected for the 1997 NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland, Ohio.
[26] Following the season, Grant signed as a free agent with the Portland Trail Blazers,[27][28][29][30] while Edney signed with the Boston Celtics,[31][32][33] Duane Causwell was traded to the Miami Heat,[34][35][36] Grayer was released to free agency, and Lionel Simmons retired due to knee surgery, after playing seven seasons in the NBA with the Kings.