Malik Monk once overheard trade chatter before Christmas. Here's how Monk all but assured a 2026-27 return to Sacramento.
What a difference three months have made for Malik Monk.
The Sacramento Kings reserve once overheard this pre-Christmas news: He's likely to get traded. Monk rose in the NBA trade market largely due to his massive salary ($77.98 million with $19.49 million yearly). But also because he started to lose ground in the rotations implemented by head coach Doug Christie.
No trade partner became willing to make a deal for Monk, though, which allowed him to stay put. And judging by recent events, it's looking like Monk isn't going anywhere in 2026-27 either off these reasons:
Monk just dropped 30 points
Monk scorched the Chicago Bulls with that scoring total in the 126-110 home win inside the Golden 1 Center on Sunday.
More astonishing is that Monk hit that point total in 31 total minutes. And he accelerated past the Bulls on fast break opportunities.
He also swiftly put the Bulls defense in a spin cycle while attacking the net.
Monk earned nearly half of his final point total in the first half (scored 14 points at halftime). Sacramento proved it moves so much faster on offense with Monk on the floor.
But his 30-piece isn't the sole reason why it's time to envision the Kings welcoming him back.
Monk's contract likely gets honored
Monk will enter the final year of his four-year deal next season.
Sacramento looks ready to honor his deal. Especially after struggling to find Monk a trade partner that was going to be willing to honor the rest of his deal.
Monk helped play his way into convincing the Kings to give him one more season. He's delivered four straight games of hitting double digits in scoring.
Yes, his points per game this season (12.7) is the lowest during his Kings run. Same with his rebounds and assists. But again, Monk's current surge speaks to a potential return along with this final reason.
Kings need veterans still
Sacramento still needs veteran leadership despite gravitating toward a younger model.
The Kings have been linked to names like AJ Dybantsa, Caleb Wilson, Cameron Boozer and in recent weeks, Kingston Flemings. Maxime Raynaud has emerged as a feel good story in going from second rounder to double-double machine. Nique Clifford flashed his potential on multiple occasions as the Kings' first round selection.
But Monk is still needed to show the young guys the NBA ropes...especially whoever lands to the Kings in the NBA Draft Lottery. His string of scoring contributions likely sealed his return.
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