The 1989–90 NBA season was the Kings' 41st season in the National Basketball Association, and fifth season in Sacramento.^[1] The Kings won the Draft Lottery, and selected Pervis Ellison from the University of Louisville with the first overall pick of the 1989 NBA draft,^[2][3][4][5] and acquired Ralph Sampson from the Golden State Warriors during the off-season.^[6][7] However, prior to the start of the season, the Kings were hit with tragedy as Ricky Berry, who had just completed a solid rookie season, committed suicide on August 14, 1989, at the age of 24; Berry died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head at his suburban home in Sacramento after an argument with his wife, Valerie.^{[8][9][10][11][12]}

After a 7–21 start to the season, head coach Jerry Reynolds was fired and replaced with Dick Motta. At midseason, Kenny Smith was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Antoine Carr.^[13][14][15] Injuries limited Ellison to only just 34 games, as the Kings finished last place in the Pacific Division with a 23–59 record.^[16]

Following the season, Ellison was traded to the Washington Bullets,^[17] while Danny Ainge was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers,^[18][19][20] and Rodney McCray was dealt to the Dallas Mavericks.^[21][22][23]