Overview
- Senior NBA insider Chris Haynes reports the Kings have made Malik Monk available in trade talks, a development confirmed by multiple outlets.
- Monk was removed from the regular rotation with consecutive DNP-CDs against Portland before logging a brief five-minute stint in a win over Houston.
- Head coach Doug Christie described the change as lineup experimentation in a crowded guard group that has recently favored Keon Ellis, Russell Westbrook, Dennis Schröder, and Nique Clifford.
- Monk said he is "one thousand percent" confused by his reduced role but intends to stay ready after a conversation with Christie.
- Sacramento is 7-22 and evaluating veterans as it retools; Monk is earning about $18.8 million this season with two more years on his deal, and reports also cite DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine as potential trade candidates.