According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Sacramento Kings are no longer engaged in trade talks surrounding Malik Monk. Reports have been swirling all summer regarding Sacramento’s desire to trade Monk (and subsequently sign Russell Westbrook), but for now, that no longer seems to be the case.
“After Sacramento explored various trade scenarios earlier this summer involving Malik Monk, league sources say that the Kings are not actively engaged in such trade talks now,” Stein wrote. “The Kings have maintained an interest in unsigned free agent Russell Westbrook, sources say, but I'm told that they have indeed explored the possibility of creating a backcourt opening for Westbrook by other means rather than dealing Monk. Monk is said to have made a positive impression in Sacramento not only with his play but how he has embraced his role and the franchise as a King.”
The Kings just can’t make up their minds.
What are the Kings doing with Malik Monk?
For weeks, rumblings indicated the Kings’ desire to move on from Monk in an attempt to bring Westbrook on board. (A move that doesn’t make much sense, no matter what way you spin it.)
Why would they want that? Westbrook enjoyed a nice season with the Denver Nuggets last year, but he doesn’t fit the Kings’ roster at all. They need shooting and defense. Westbrook is a fine defender, but he’s certainly not a great three-point shooter.
Sacramento already has enough players who need the ball in their hands. Adding Westbrook would only add another. Monk can play on or off the ball, and he’s taken strides as a playmaker, too. So, why trade him?
Well, it seems as though the Kings have moved away from the idea of trading Monk, instead choosing to keep him on board as a part of their core moving forward, which is a fine plan.
Monk has improved tenfold in Sacramento since joining the team, becoming somewhat of a perennial candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year award before joining the starting lineup more often last season.
It never made any sense for the Kings to trade Monk in order to sign Westbrook. There are other ways of bringing him on board without having a crowded guard room, and they have seemingly finally come to that conclusion.
Still, the fact that they were ever considering making that set of moves is questionable, and the Monk saga has taught the NBA world a lot about Sacramento.