The Sacramento Kings continue to evaluate ways to bring in former MVP Russell Westbrook, but they are not prepared to part with Malik Monk to make it happen.
Marc Stein reported on The Stein Line that Sacramento has explored avenues to add Westbrook without including Monk in trade discussions. The update aligns with previous reporting from Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, who noted that the Kings are currently the only team positioned as a potential landing spot for the veteran guard.
Westbrook became an unrestricted free agent after declining his player option with the Denver Nuggets. Last season, the nine-time All-Star posted 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds across 75 games. He also averaged 11.7 points during Denver’s postseason run.
The Kings’ interest has been consistent. Carmichael Dave of Sactown Sports reported earlier this summer that Sacramento had been in talks with Westbrook “for a while,” calling the chances of him joining the franchise “80-20.”
Sacramento’s backcourt has undergone major changes since the trade of De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio in February. The team added Dennis Schroder and pursued Tyus Jones before he signed with Orlando.
Even with new additions, Westbrook remains a target due to his experience, playmaking, and ability to energize second units. The Kings view him as a possible sixth man option behind Schroder while providing another layer of veteran leadership around Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan.
At the same time, Sacramento has tested the market for Monk. According to Dallas Hoops Journal, the guard was offered in proposals to Golden State for Jonathan Kuminga and linked to earlier sign-and-trade scenarios in Detroit. Neither path materialized.
Monk, who averaged a career-high 17.2 points per game last season and finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting, is under contract on a three-year, $60.6 million deal. At 27, he remains one of the Kings’ most reliable scoring options off the bench.
New general manager Scott Perry has been reshaping the roster since taking over in the spring. While he has shown a willingness to test Monk’s market, Stein’s latest report indicates the organization does not plan to sacrifice him in order to finalize a deal with Westbrook.
