Sacramento Kings majority owner Vivek Ranadive has started the process of finding a replacement for Geoff Petrie and is considering San Antonio Spurs president R.C. Buford, Golden State Warriors assistant GM Travis Schlenk and Memphis Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace, according to two people with knowledge of the situation.

Ranadive's focus, as is clear from some of the backgrounds of the people being considered, is on establishing a smart, winning tradition.

Ranadive is likely to assume control of the Kings later this week.

Ranadive is not expected to keep Keith Smart, but he wants a front office in place before the coaching search.