The Sacramento Kings have long been rumored as a potential destination for Russell Westbrook. But despite their interest, two months into free agency, Russ remains a free agent. Whether that will change by opening night, we will have to wait and see. But the interest is there, and it seems like the Kings have to cross some obstacles first before they can get the former MVP.
One Player Holds the Key for Russell Westbrook to Join the Kings
According to the latest rumors, the Kings are actively trying to free up a roster spot so they can sign Russell Westbrook. Right now, they have 15 guaranteed contracts on their payroll. But to open up a roster spot, they will have to trade someone to a team with cap space. Only the Brooklyn Nets and the Detroit Pistons can offer that luxury. The Nets have their own challenges with more than 15 players under contract.
The recent report is that the Kings hope to move on from Malik Monk, a player they also tried to include in talks with the Golden State Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga. They are “trying very hard” to trade him, according to Dallas Hoops Journal, but they have to find someone who will take his money. If they manage to shed Monk’s salary and open up a roster spot, Sacramento is willing to give a contract to Westbrook.
Does Malik Monk Have Trade Value?
Two seasons ago, Monk was a runner-up for a Sixth Month of the Year Award. Last season, he was not eligible because he started 45 of the 65 games he played. Nevertheless, he has proven to be a valuable contributor off the bench.
The bigger problem is his salary. He has two more guaranteed years left on his deal, plus a player option at $21.5 million for the 2027-28 season. That makes him hard to trade. Not many teams are willing to take on a salary that can potentially run for three more years.
Because of his contract, the Kings might have to add a second-round pick to get a team to accept Monk’s salary. While they have their second-round picks in 2026, ’27, and more coming from the Charlotte Hornets, is it worth it? It looks like the Kings are ready to trade a player who contributed to their team, plus a pick, just so they can sign a point guard. They need Westbrook to play as a sixth man behind Dennis Schröder.
The Chaos Continues in Sacramento
The latest effort to sign Westbrook and trade Monk just shows how chaotic the Kings are. They went from having Tyrese Haliburton and De’Aaron Fox to having almost no point guards. They traded for two former Chicago Bulls players, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, despite the Bulls not making past the play-in with those two.
Right now, Sacramento can qualify for one of the strangest rosters in the league. They look like a team without any plan and direction. The Kings have solid young players, but they continue to push their chips for veterans, trying to compete right now.
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