The Sacramento Kings are now no longer looking into trading Malik Monk, according to a new report from Marc Stein in The Stein Line.
Earlier this month, Monk was reported to have been offered to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga.
Here is what Stein had to say:
“After Sacramento explored various trade scenarios earlier this summer involving Malik Monk, league sources say that the Kings are not actively engaged in such trade talks now. The Kings have maintained an interest in unsigned free agent Russell Westbrook, sources say, but I’m told that they have indeed explored the possibility of creating a backcourt opening for Westbrook by other means rather than dealing Monk. Monk is said to have made a positive impression in Sacramento not only with his play but how he has embraced his role and the franchise as a King.”
This all sounds like the Kings were just unable to trade Monk and are accepting he will be back next season. Monk would rejoin the majority of a roster that finished 9th in the Western Conference and got blown out in the Play-In Tournament. Monk still has three years left on his contract, over which he will make more than $60 million.
How do you feel about where things stand with Monk? And how do you feel about the consistent interest in Westbrook?