NBA Rumors: Kings, Malik Monk, Hawks, Trae Young, Georges Niang

The Kings have tested the waters on Malik Monk trades this summer, but for now he’s still in Sacramento. According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the team isn’t actively shopping him — though that doesn’t mean he’s untouchable heading into the 2025-26 season.

Monk has earned respect inside the organization for more than just his scoring, Stein notes, which complicates the idea of moving him.

The Kings have been linked to Russell Westbrook and reportedly considered a Monk deal to open a backcourt spot, but Stein says Sacramento has also explored other ways to create room for the former MVP.

A few more notes from Stein’s latest:

• Hawks and Young: Atlanta doesn’t plan to extend Trae Young before the season, Stein confirms after Jake Fischer’s earlier report. Instead, the Hawks want to see more of Young paired with Jalen Johnson, who missed the end of last year with a shoulder injury. How that duo looks under the revamped roster could help shape the team’s long-term direction.

• Niang nearly played for Senegal: Stein reports that Georges Niang secured a Senegalese passport and almost suited up for the national team in AfroBasket this summer. That plan fell through after Niang was traded twice — from Atlanta to Boston to Utah — in a hectic offseason.

• Pacers reward Carlisle: Stein points out that six NBA coaches have signed extensions this summer, including Rick Carlisle. Indiana’s decision wasn’t just about results (five playoff series wins the past two years), but also about stability. With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the season and Myles Turner gone in free agency, the Pacers wanted to lock in their coach for the long haul.