The Sacramento Kings are actively pursuing a first-round pick in the upcoming NBA draft and are reportedly considering trading two of their guards to achieve this objective. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, since Scott Perry took over as general manager from Monte McNair, the Kings
“have been active in trade talks”
aimed at improving their draft position. The team has specifically explored opportunities involving guards Malik Monk and Devin Carter.
Player Profiles: Malik Monk’s Career-Best Season and Devin Carter’s Rookie Year
Malik Monk had the best season of his professional career, averaging career-high marks of 17.2 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. He started in 45 of the 65 games he played, totaling a career-high average of 31.6 minutes on the court per game. At 27 years old and under a relatively affordable contract set at $18.8 million for the next season, Monk presents an attractive trade candidate likely to draw interest from other teams.
In contrast, Devin Carter, who was selected 13th overall in last year’s draft from Providence, experienced a challenging rookie season. Carter played in only 36 games, averaging 3.8 points per contest while managing injuries and considerable G-League time. Although he might intrigue teams seeking a developmental player, Carter alone may not command the high draft pick Sacramento is targeting.
Current Draft Picks and Trade Constraints Shape Sacramento’s Strategy
The Kings currently hold just one draft selection this year—the 42nd overall pick obtained from the Chicago Bulls. Their original first-round pick, 13th overall, is held by the Atlanta Hawks due to a prior trade. Sacramento’s pick was protected in the draft lottery, meaning the Kings would have retained it if they had fallen to 12th overall instead of 13th. This limitation underlines the motivation behind the Kings’ efforts to trade assets, such as Monk and Carter, to regain a valuable first-round draft position.
Potential Impact of Trade Talks on Kings’ Roster and Draft Prospects
The Kings’ willingness to negotiate involving Malik Monk and Devin Carter reflects a strategic move to enhance their drafting opportunities and build for the future. Securing a first-round pick would allow Sacramento to access higher-tier talent in the draft, potentially strengthening the team’s long-term competitiveness. As trade discussions continue, monitoring how these negotiations evolve will be crucial in understanding the franchise’s direction under Scott Perry’s management.