Kings looking to trade Malik Monk for youth

The Kings have made guard Malik Monk available in trade talks, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.

Haynes reported that Monk is among the players Sacramento is open to discussing as it reassesses a roster that has stumbled to a 7-22 start. While the Kings are willing to listen on most of the roster, fourth-year forward Keegan Murray and rookie guard Nique Clifford are viewed as exceptions.

The timing isn’t subtle. Monk has been removed from the regular rotation, receiving two DNP-CDs and logging just five total minutes over the past three games as coach Doug Christie continues to reshuffle a crowded backcourt.

Monk, who turns 28 in February, has been a productive piece in Sacramento since arriving in 2022. He’s averaged 15.0 points, 4.6 assists and 3.0 rebounds in a little over 26 minutes per game as a King, finishing second in Sixth Man of the Year voting in 2024. That résumé still carries weight around the league.

He’s earning $18.8 million this season and is owed $20.2 million in 2026–27, with a $21.6 million player option for 2027–28.

Haynes noted the Kings are looking to get younger and more athletic. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine are also considered prime trade candidates, though LaVine’s maximum contract complicates matters.