Until the Sacramento Kings hire a new general manager, Geoff Petrie will maintain a key role in directing the franchise leading up to the NBA draft.

The Kings officially hired Mike Malone on Monday.

"I just told (Petrie) how much I appreciate him sticking around because he knows the draft a lot better than I do," Malone said. "He's been studying these guys ... and he also can offer great insights to the current players on our roster as to what their strengths, weaknesses are and personalities. But I'm still going to keep an open mind and form my opinion on these guys."

Chris Wallace is reportedly a leading candidate to take over as the Kings' GM.