The Los Angeles Lakers signed Malik Monk to a minimum contract in the 2021 offseason, and he played so well that the Kings gave him $97.3 million over two deals to play in Sacramento through 2028. They are regretting the most recent contract, though. Monk was a fan favorite in LA, but he is struggling to get minutes with the Kings. He is rumored to be on the trade block and could have a new home before Feb. 5.
Monk is making $18.7 million this season and has two years left on his contract. With him struggling to get minutes on one of the worst teams in the West, Sacramento will have to dump his contract. Their best bet is making him part of a larger trade that accomplishes goals for all parties involved.
Lakers fans did not want to see Monk leave after his breakout season. The Hornets let his rookie contract expire and did not bring him back. The 6’3 guard blossomed into a bucket-getter and elite shooter wearing the purple and gold. Fans would love to see him return and will be happy if he leaves the rival Kings before the deadline.
Malik Monk could be traded before the deadline
The Lakers need shooting and defense around Luka Doncic. They may consider bringing Monk back if it means getting Keon Ellis or Devin Carter to solve their perimeter defensive woes. Fans would love to see it.
Sacramento is loaded in the backcourt, and Lakers supporters knew signing Russell Westbrook would put Monk on the fringes of the Kings’ rotation. They have too many score-first players, which makes finding time for Monk difficult.
The 27-year-old has played in three straight after consecutive DNP-CDs. He got 19 minutes in a win over the Mavericks on Dec. 27. It could be Sacramento showcasing the bucket-getter with Zach LaVine and Keegan Murray out. The Kings must make moves before the deadline, and trading Monk to help reorient their roster seems like a no-brainer.
It is all about finding the right move. Sacramento shopped him in the offseason, but the $41.7 million remaining on his contract after this season is problematic. Every dollar matters in the second apron era, so getting a $20-plus million player with just seven games of playoff experience at 27 years old is not ideal. Monk was on the only Lakers team that has missed the playoffs since 2019. His impact on winning is questionable, but he can get buckets and excite fans.
The Kings have a ton of work to do on their roster before the deadline. They are rumored to be willing to trade every player except Murray and Nique Clifford. Sacramento has just eight wins in their first 31 games and is not making the postseason. It is time for a rebuild, which means dumping veterans like Monk.
The Los Angeles Lakers will be looking to buy ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Fans will be locked in, and there will be interest in where their former players end up. Malik Monk can space the floor, make shots, and bring the excitement. He would love to join a contender, but fans will have to stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.