The 2025-26 season is off to a rocky start for the Sacramento Kings.
With rumors swirling about who might be on the trade block, guard Malik Monk has officially become available, according to veteran NBA insider Chris Haynes. Monk has been one of the NBA’s most reliable sixth men over the past few years, but has fallen out of the Kings’ regular rotation this season.
In 24 games this season, Monk’s playing time has been significantly reduced compared to last year. Monk averaged more than 31 minutes in 65 games last season, but this season, his playing time has dropped to just 23 minutes. In addition to his playing time, many of Monk’s other statistics have also declined. So far this season, his scoring average has dropped from 17.2 points to 12.5 points per game, and his field goal attempts have dropped from 14.4 to 10.3. Monk suffered losses in nearly every major statistical category.
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Head coach Doug Christie, his coaching staff and Kings management have made it clear that Monk will not be involved in any plans in Sacramento. Munch was once a valuable piece in Sacramento, and in a matter of weeks or even less, Munch might be out of town on his first smoke. Monk set career highs in points, assists, rebounds, steals and blocks last season. Now, the nine-year veteran has emerged as the successor in the Kings’ rotation.
The offseason additions of Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroder, coupled with the addition of Zach LaVine last season, had a huge impact on Monk’s value in the eyes of those behind the scenes in Sacramento. Fourth-year guard Keon Ellis has also reduced Monk’s playing time and appears to be preferred over Monk going forward.
With Westbrook Schroder playing about 29 minutes a night and LaVine playing about 32 minutes a night, there wasn’t enough backcourt time, which led to Monk’s departure. Prior to Haynes’ report, there were rumors that Sacramento might consider moving some veterans off the roster. The first names that come to mind are Westbrook, LaVine and DeMar DeRozan because of the reported “disconnect” between Doug Christie’s staff and some of the older players.
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Sacramento currently has a record of 7 wins and 22 losses, ranking last in the Western Conference and third to last in the league. The Kings still have a long way to go if they hope to develop a youth movement and could be very busy over the next two months. This veteran-heavy team is nowhere near contention in the Western Conference, and if the young guys can’t get quality minutes on the court, all you’re doing is stunting their development.
