It’s been a rough start to the 2025-26 season for the Sacramento Kings.
As rumors swirl about who could be on the trade block, guard Malik Monk has officially been made available, according to Senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes. Over the past few years, Monk has been one of the most reliable sixth men in the NBA, but has fallen out of the Kings’ regular rotation this season.
Through 24 games this season, Monk’s minutes are down significantly from last year. Monk played over 31 minutes per game in 65 games last season, and this season, his minutes have dropped to barely 23. Along with his minutes, many of Monk’s other numbers have dropped as well. His points per game have fallen from 17.2 to 12.5, and shot attempts have gone from 14.4 to 10.3 so far this season. Monk has suffered in just about every major statistical category across the board.
Advertisement
Head coach Doug Christie, his coaching staff, and the Kings’ front office have made it clear that Monk will not be part of any plans in Sacramento. A once-valued piece in Sacramento, Monk could be out of town on the first thing smoking within a matter of weeks if not sooner. Monk set new career highs in points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks last season. Now, the nine-year veteran has become an afterthought in the Kings’ rotation.
The additions of Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroder in the offseason, plus Zach LaVine coming over last season, has had a huge effect on Monk’s value in the eyes of those pulling the strings in Sacramento. Fourth-year guard Keon Ellis has also cut into Monk’s minutes and seems to be the preference over Monk heading into the future.
With Westbrook Schroder playing roughly 29 minutes each night and LaVine around 32, there just aren’t enough backcourt minutes to go around, which has resulted in the drop off for Monk. Prior to Haynes’ report, it had been rumored that Sacramento could look to unload some veterans from the roster. The first names that came to mind were Westbrook, LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan, due to a reported “disconnect” between Doug Christie’s staff and some veteran players.
Advertisement
Sacramento is currently 7-22, sitting in last place in the Western Conference and owns the third-worst record in the Association. If the Kings are looking to move toward a youth movement, they’ve got a ways to go and could be quite busy over the next two months. This veteran-heavy squad is nowhere close to competing in the West, and if the young guys can’t get quality minutes on the court, all you’re doing is stunting their development.
