The Sacramento Kings are at a crossroads.
While having signed Detroit Pistons unrestricted free agent Dennis Schroder to a three-year contract in order to shore up their sheer point guard depth, they also want to bring Denver Nuggets unrestricted free agent Russell Westbrook on board. However, Westbrook is unlikely to join the Kings because they still have Malik Monk on the roster, per NBA insider Chris Haynes (h/t NBACentral on X). With that in mind, Monk was a candidate to head to the Pistons in a sign-and-trade for Schroder, per The Stein Line insider Jake Fischer.
Crossroad Kings ‘Very Engaged’ On Trade For Jonathan Kuminga
Sacramento has “remained open still to a sign-and-trade of Malik Monk to Detroit,” according to ABC10’s Matt George.
Sounds like the Monk aspect of the Kuminga deal has more to do with the Warriors being less interested in him.
Obviously, the Kings would need to open up the space to absorb Kuminga. https://t.co/BfEB6lXayo
— Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) July 3, 2025
“Meanwhile, the Kings are very engaged on the Jonathan Kuminga front in a deal which, I’m told, likely wouldn’t involve Monk,” he adds.
George’s report comes on the heels of a rumor from Fischer about Sacramento’s willingness to include Monk in a trade package for Golden State Warriors restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.
Breaking Down The Situation
Ultimately, there are likely three facts that are true.
First, Schroder is signing to the Kings. Second, Westbrook would like to sign with the Kings. Third, the Kings would like to sign Kuminga.
The only question is whether Monk will be traded in a deal for Schroder, Kuminga or another player. That answer likely depends on the Pistons and Warriors interest in him. At this juncture, it doesn’t seem as if either team is pressing towards his acquisition.
What Should The Kings Do?
If Sacramento doesn’t move Monk at all, they likely can forget about Westbrook. With that being said, Monk is the more effective player at this point of their careers. Frankly, they might be better off with the 2024 Sixth Man of the Year finalist. However, Westbrook is an experienced primary facilitator and the Kings desperately needed one last season.
Missing out on Kuminga is a different story though.
While the former seventh overall pick hasn’t been a schematic fit for the Warriors, he’s young (22) with plenty of two-way potential. As a starter, he’s averaged 15.5 points in 28.1 minutes per game. When he plays 30+ minutes, he averages 20.8 points per game. Because All-Star center Domantas Sabonis is such an effective 3-point shooter and dribble hand-off operator, his weaknesses will be minimized and his strengths maximized.
The complication comes in the fact that Golden State would likely want 2022 No. 4 pick Keegan Murray in return. Though he hasn’t been remarkably consistent in his young career, he’s a promising 3-and-D forward. Thus, he’s a fit for a Steve Kerr-run offense but Sacramento would be loathe to trade him.
If the Kings can get creative, perhaps involving additional teams, it could work though. The Portland Trail Blazers, who traded for two-time NBA champion Jrue Holiday last month, could be one such option.
