Malik Monk’s name has been frequently mentioned in trade talks this summer, but the Sacramento Kings might have another move in mind to create an opening for the long-rumored addition of Russell Westbrook.
While sign-and-trade talks for Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga have stalled in recent weeks, the Kings continue to be linked to Westbrook. Bringing in Westbrook would likely require the Kings to part ways with one of their guards to alleviate the logjam in the backcourt, but that doesn’t necessarily mean Monk has to go.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported Thursday that the Kings are more likely to trade Devin Carter to facilitate the Westbrook signing. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints added that Sacramento is not simply looking to dump salary or create a roster spot in a potential trade involving Monk.
According to Siegel: “Trade talks involving Malik Monk earlier this offseason held no connection to the possibility of adding Westbrook, sources said. The Kings have not been calling teams trying to dump Monk’s salary but more so figuring out his value.”
NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported the Kings have “maintained an interest” in Westbrook while noting they are “not actively engaged” in trade talks involving Monk.
The addition of Westbrook, 36, would give Sacramento an experienced backup behind 31-year-old point guard Dennis Schroder, who was acquired in a sign-and-trade deal with the Detroit Pistons. Westbrook is a 17-year NBA veteran who has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets.
Russell has career averages of 21.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.6 steals. He appeared in 75 games for the Nuggets last season, including 36 starts, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 44.9% from the field and 32.3% from 3-point range.
Moving Monk, a 27-year-old guard in his prime, simply to make room for Westbrook would be a questionable move for Sacramento. Monk was runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year in 2023-24. Last season, he averaged career highs of 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 0.9 steals.
Moving Carter would make more sense for Sacramento, but even that decision could come back to haunt the Kings. The 23-year-old combo guard came out of Providence as the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft.
Carter averaged 3.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.6 steals in 11.0 minutes per game during an injury shortened rookie season. He may never produce offensively like he did at Providence, where he averaged 19.7 points while shooting 37.7% from 3-point range in 2023-24, but he has already demonstrated elite abilities as defender.