Report: Kings ‘not actively engaged’ in Malik Monk trade conversations

Aug 25, 2025, 3:41 PM | Updated: 3:43 pm

Sactown Sports writer

The Sacramento Kings are still attempting to add Russell Westbrook to their roster.

Previous reports stated that new general manager Scott Perry was exploring Malik Monk trades, with Westbrook potentially joining the roster afterwards.

Now, according to Marc Stein, “the Kings are not actively engaged in such trade talks” to move the 27-year-old guard.

After Sacramento explored various trade scenarios earlier this summer involving Malik Monk, league sources say that the Kings are not actively engaged in such trade talks now.

The Kings have maintained an interest in unsigned free agent Russell Westbrook, sources say, but I’m told that they have indeed explored the possibility of creating a backcourt opening for Westbrook by other means rather than dealing Monk.

Monk is said to have made a positive impression in Sacramento not only with his play but how he has embraced his role and the franchise as a King.

“Sunday Best: The latest on late-summer NBA contract extensions, trade possibilities and more” by Marc Stein

Aside from Monk, Sacramento still rosters Keon Ellis, Devin Carter, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and recently signed Dennis Schroder. Not to mention rookie Nique Clifford, who possesses some intriguing ball skills.

Teams can only take 15 players into their season, not including the three two-way contracts. That’s the exact number Perry’s squad has currently under contract.

They can bring three more into training camp to compete with the likes of Terence Davis, Dario Saric, and Drew Eubanks, but Westbrook may want a guaranteed role.

If they’re exploring other avenues to make room for the former MVP, it may involve trading one of Zach LaVine, Keon Ellis, or Devin Carter.

With over a month until media day, there’s still time for the Kings to continue to shape their team.

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We have officially entered the dog days of summer and the NBA offseason, but hey, at least the Sacramento Kings’ schedule is out!

Ah, yes, the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento has been one of the–how do I put this delicately–most talked about teams in the league this offseason, as many around the game have posed similar questions:

“What direction are they heading?” “Build it up, or tear it down?” “Kuminga? Westbrook?”

The Kings are currently a team with talent, no question–but is it the right collection of talent?

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When is the next Sacramento Kings game?

Sacramento Kings preseason basketball is on the way, but we’ll have to wait a bit longer before we see the Beam Team back in action.

The Kings will open up their preseason slate on Wednesday, October 8th, at home against the Toronto Raptors. You can see the full preseason schedule below.

Sacramento will begin the regular season on Wednesday, October 22nd in Phoenix before returning home to play its home-opener against the Utah Jazz on Friday, October 24th.

Click here to see the full 2025-26 Sacramento Kings schedule.