Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo
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With the Kings reopening talks on Malik Monk, the Bucks suddenly have a realistic path to add help without next to Giannis Antetokounmpo without sacrificing flexibility.
The Sacramento Kings have reopened trade talks involving Malik Monk, and that development could reshape the deadline market for contenders. According to NBA writer Evan Sidery, Sacramento is actively exploring deals for Monk as the February 5 trade deadline approaches.
“The Kings are actively exploring the trade market for Malik Monk,” Sidery tweeted Tuesday. “After almost being traded in the offseason, Sacramento will again shop Monk to contending teams.”
Monk is averaging 13 points per game while shooting a career-best 41.1 percent from three-point range. That efficiency stands out. He has delivered reliable spacing, secondary creation, and instant offense off the bench throughout the season. For teams chasing a title, that profile carries real value.
Sacramento’s Trade Reality Is Narrowing
Sacramento’s broader trade picture limits its flexibility. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine remain the biggest names on the roster, yet neither has generated strong market interest over several seasons. LaVine’s contract continues to complicate talks, while DeRozan’s age and declining production reduce his appeal.
Because of that, the Kings may find more traction moving role players instead of stars. Monk fits that category. He holds a movable contract, fills multiple needs, and does not require a full roster overhaul to acquire.
Kings writer Will Zimmerle recently ranked Monk as the fourth-most likely Sacramento player to be traded before the deadline. Monk also appeared in multiple offseason rumors, including sign-and-trade scenarios that never materialized.
“But it wouldn’t be a surprise if [the rumors] picked up as the deadline approaches,” Zimmerle wrote, “and a team looks to bring scoring and facilitating off the bench.”
One team fits that description perfectly.
Why Milwaukee Makes Sense
The Milwaukee Bucks have drawn a hard line around Giannis Antetokounmpo. They will not trade him. Instead, they want to add help.
Both Eric Nehm of The Athletic and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that Milwaukee has positioned itself as a buyer. The Bucks want reinforcements, not a reset, even after losing 11 of their last 14 games and playing without Antetokounmpo due to a calf strain.
Milwaukee has already been linked to DeRozan and LaVine. Those names grab headlines, but Monk may offer a cleaner solution. He fits better on the court and on the books.
Monk earns $18 million this season, with manageable escalations to $20 million and $21 million over the next two years. LaVine earns more than double that annually. DeRozan will earn roughly $24-25 million while entering his late 30s.
Age matters too. Monk will not turn 30 until after his contract expires. That timeline aligns better with Milwaukee’s need to compete now without sacrificing future flexibility.
On the floor, Monk fills clear gaps. He can handle the ball as a primary initiator next to players like Kyle Kuzma, Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. He punishes defensive rotations by being more athletic than your typical three-point shooter wing. He thrives without dominating possessions, but can take over on second units. Most importantly, he complements Giannis instead of overlapping him.
A Logical Deadline Swing
Milwaukee will exhaust every option before even entertaining the idea of moving Antetokounmpo. The organization remains committed to keeping its franchise cornerstone satisfied and competitive.
That reality makes incremental but impactful upgrades the priority. Monk represents that type of move. If Sacramento commits to reshaping its roster, Monk may become the most realistic domino to fall. And if the Bucks truly want to buy, they may have just found their most sensible target.