The Sacramento Kings are actively working to trade Malik Monk in an effort to clear roster space for former MVP Russell Westbrook, aiming to add him as their sixth man this upcoming NBA season. This move represents a significant adjustment in the Kings’ backcourt as they prepare for training camp and seek to strengthen their bench options.

The Kings’ pursuit of a Malik Monk trade aligns with their intention to sign Westbrook, who remains an unrestricted free agent. NBA insider Grant Afseth, citing the Dallas Hoops Journal, reported,

The Sacramento Kings have been ‘trying very hard’ to trade Malik Monk this offseason, but they haven’t found a taker,

and added,

The Kings have been trying to trade Monk to open up a spot for Russell Westbrook, who is an unrestricted free agent. Sacramento wants to sign Westbrook and bring him off the bench as its sixth man behind Dennis Schroder.

These comments reveal how the Kings are prioritizing roster flexibility to accommodate Westbrook’s addition.

Significant Roster Changes Ahead of New Season

Following a 40-42 finish that placed them ninth in the Western Conference last season, the Kings have undergone a number of roster changes. Key departures include veterans like Jae Crowder, Jonas Valanciunas, Markelle Fultz, Trey Lyles, and Jake LaRavia. These exits have been balanced by several acquisitions intended to reshape the team’s core, including veteran point guard Dennis Schroder, forward Drew Eubanks, and versatile forward Dario Saric. Additionally, the team has brought in rookies such as Nique Clifford and Dylan Cardwell to bolster depth.

Dennis Schroder averaged 13.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game last season and is expected to assume the starting point guard role for the Kings. However, the team still needs a dependable backup guard to support Schroder’s minutes, which is where Westbrook enters the picture.

Russell Westbrook’s Role and Current Market Situation

Russell Westbrook, a 9-time All-Star and former MVP, remains unsigned as the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, with his market described as limited by league sources. Nearly 37 years old, Westbrook has experienced difficulty establishing a consistent role in recent seasons, and speculation suggests he could remain without a team as opening night nears. Despite this, the Kings stand out as one of the few franchises strongly interested in adding Westbrook to their roster.

The Kings’ management believes Westbrook can still be a productive spark off the bench in a sixth-man capacity, providing energy and veteran presence behind Schroder. This commitment to Westbrook demonstrates the team’s willingness to take a chance on the veteran in the hopes of stabilizing an inconsistent backcourt.

Challenges in Clearing the Roster for Westbrook

The primary obstacle to signing Westbrook is the Kings’ crowded guard rotation, which currently includes Malik Monk, Dennis Schroder, and Zach LaVine. To accommodate Westbrook, the team must successfully trade Monk to avoid an overpopulated backcourt. Executing a trade in the coming weeks remains a crucial priority, as the team’s ability to finalize this deal will define Westbrook’s likelihood of joining Sacramento.

Westbrook’s arrival would mark his fifth team in as many seasons, a sharp contrast from his earlier years as the franchise face of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Kings’ gamble centers on maximizing Westbrook’s remaining value in a defined, limited role conducive to his strengths and experience.

Implications for the Kings’ Season Outlook

The Kings are at a crossroads, striving to rediscover a competitive identity amid a deep Western Conference. The impact of Westbrook’s addition is uncertain, with concerns about his shooting consistency and past behavioral issues tempering expectations. Whether Westbrook can contribute positively as a sixth man will be a key storyline for Sacramento as the new season unfolds.

If the trade for Monk materializes and Westbrook joins the roster, the Kings may benefit from an injection of veteran leadership and dynamic playmaking off the bench. Failing to move Monk, however, could leave Westbrook teamless and the Kings stuck with an imbalanced guard rotation, complicating their efforts to improve on last year’s performance.

As training camp approaches, the Kings’ aggressive pursuit of a Malik Monk trade highlights their urgent desire to finalize their backcourt and gives Westbrook one of his final opportunities to revive his NBA career within a clearly defined role.