Will the Kings Land a Trade for Veteran G Monk Soon?

Malik Monk has quietly been on the trade block for the Sacramento Kings to create more opportunities for players in their long-term plans.

ESPN's Anthony Slater reported that Sacramento views Keegan Murray as part of its long-term vision. General manager Scott Perry also tried to trade Monk, Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, and wasn't pleased with the potential returns.

Sabonis and LaVine have dominated headlines for the Kings over the summer, as their futures with the team are likely coming to an end. LaVine's $48.9 million salary expires at the end of next season, and Sabonis hired Aaron Mintz of CAA, which Brian Windhorst believes could mean he wants out of Sacramento.

News on Monk has been relatively quiet. He has $41 million owed over the next two seasons, including a $21 million player option, which he will likely pick up.

Monk is the Kings' most reliable scorer and shooter off the bench. The 28-year-old has averaged 15 points on 35.6% from three on 5.9 attempts per game.

He finished as the runner-up in the Sixth-Man of the Year Award vote in the 2023-24 season. Naz Reid won by a 10-point margin, a historically close victory, as he has two more first-place ballots.

Monk can change the game with his shooting and athleticism. He has a quick release, making him a dangerous catch-and-shoot threat. In his season-high 32-point performance against the Brooklyn Nets on March 22, six of his seven made threes were catch-and-shoot attempts.

His microwave scoring is a skill set that could help many teams, but Perry isn't settling for a discount to get off his deal.

Sacramento attempted to trade for Jonathan Kuminga last offseason, when he and the Golden State Warriors did not see eye to eye on a contract extension. The two teams negotiated for an extended period, but could not agree on pick protections.

The Kings offered a rotation player, likely Monk, and a protected first-round pick in return for Kuminga. Golden State wanted the pick unprotected, and a potential influence on its decision-making was the trade of a young player to a division rival.

Although Perry has tried to trade Monk, he is the team's best bench player, and they need all the help they can get next season.

The sixth man is arguably one of the most influential players on a roster after a superstar. For the Kings, Monk should continue headlining that role.

"But to me, it's a no-brainer that Malik Monk should be a part of the rotation," Matt George said on "The Matt George Podcast" last Saturday.