Kings shopping Malik Monk to sign Russell Westbrook instead

Aug 22, 2025 4:08 PM

The Kings have been actively trying to trade guard Malik Monk this offseason, according to league sources cited by Dallas Hoops Journal.

Sacramento aims to open a backcourt spot to sign Russell Westbrook, who would serve as the team’s sixth man behind new starting point guard Dennis Schröder.

Monk being on the trade block isn’t new – rumors about him have circulated since before free agency, when the Kings explored the market for him and fellow guard Devin Carter.

Early in free agency, Monk was linked to a potential sign-and-trade with Detroit for Schröder, but the deal went through without him. Sacramento used an existing traded player exception for Schröder, while Detroit created a new TPE by taking no players back.

Monk was also included in the Kings’ latest offer to the Warriors for restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, but Golden State is unwilling to absorb his $18.8M cap hit this season or the remaining three-year, $60.6M contract.

A sign-and-trade would either require another mid-level contract or push the Warriors to the tax apron, limiting roster flexibility.

Last season, Monk averaged a career-high 17.2 points per game and finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting in 2024.

At 27, he is nearly a decade younger than Westbrook, making the Kings’ interest in moving him for the 36-year-old veteran somewhat surprising. Nevertheless, trade rumors have persisted since early July.

The Kings also overhauled their front office this spring, with Scott Perry replacing former GM Monte McNair. Perry did not acquire Monk or negotiate his current extension, and appears less attached to him than the previous management.