With Fred VanVleet hopefully returning from an injury that kept him off the court last season, the Houston Rockets are thinking about their franchise's future. Changes could be on the way, which includes trading VanVleet to the Sacramento Kings for Malik Monk, a move that could work out.
When it comes to trade offers surrounding their veterans, the Kings a pretty much open to any conversation. They waived DeMar DeRozan, are likely considering a similar move with Zach LaVine, have abandoned Russell Westbrook to free agency, and would love to end the Domantas Sabonis era.
Then there's Monk, a fan-favorite roster member and a former Sixth Man of the Year candidate. The Kings were trying to trade him for a good chunk of the 2025 offseason but gave up when they couldn't lock down an offer they were interested in. A trade might have been good for Monk.
Since then, the Kings, specifically head coach Doug Christie, have seemed largely confused about how Monk fits into the team. His usage in 2025-2026 was sporadic and lacking in strategy at absolute best. Honestly, the guy could probably use a change of scenery to reinvigorate his career.
Monk on the Rockets is an interesting fit
With living legend Kevin Durant at the helm, Houston managed to make the playoffs in 2026. Unfortunately, they were eliminated by the Lakers in the first round. To be fair, Durant was injured in the playoffs, and the Rockets battled back from on 0-3 deficit to force a game six, Solid work.
In addition to a missing Durant, their starting point guard VanVleet was out all last season with a torn ACL. In his absence, the roster has moved on as guards like Amen Thompson continue to grow. On top of that, the Rockets recently picked up Marcus Smart as a free agent. VanVleet might be out.
If Houston is ready to move on from good ol' Steady Freddy, there's a deal to be made with Sacramento. The Kings could use a veteran point guard with championship experience like VanVleet and the Rockets could use a scoring sparkplug like Monk off the bench. It could benefit both teams.
While there aren't any remotely credible rumors that either team is trying to trade these players, nothing is impossible in the NBA. Giannis Antetokounmpo is now on the Heat and Jaylen Brown is a Sixer. Stranger things have happened in this league, so don't count a move like this out.
Add us as a preferred source on Google