Just a couple of weeks ago, Sacramento star Domantas Sabonis hinted that the Kings’ offseason was far from over. Now, with rumblings that nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook might be heading to Sacramento, it looks like he was right.
The potential move, however, comes with a major twist no one saw coming and could redefine the team’s backcourt strategy for the 2025-26 season.
Why Might the Kings Keep Malik Monk and Sign Russell Westbrook?
The Kings’ plan to acquire Westbrook seemed to hit a wall due to their inability to find a trade partner for Malik Monk. However, it appears new General Manager Scott Perry is considering an unlikely solution to the team’s roster puzzle.
Although Sacramento was guard-heavy last season, the team added even more depth in June by drafting Nique Clifford. The initial plan was to offload Monk’s $77,975,308 salary to create the financial flexibility needed to bolster the roster.
Russell Westbrook might not be in the NBA next season, per @JakeLFischer
“The Kings are the one home for Russell Westbrook if he’s going to be in the NBA at all.” pic.twitter.com/aSoRF2Pv7a
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) August 20, 2025
That plan faced a major roadblock when the Kings discovered there was no market for Monk. After aggressively trying to move the guard last month, a new report from NBA insider Marc Stein suggests Monk could stay put even if the team lands Westbrook.
“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,” Stein shared on “The Stein Line”.
“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,” he continued.
This marks a significant shift in strategy. Last month, Monk had one foot out the door as part of a trade offer to the Golden State Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga. That deal fell apart because the Warriors wanted an unprotected pick.
RELATED: NBA Insider Drops Heartbreaking Update on Russell Westbrook’s Future Amid Quiet Free Agency Market
Now, Sacramento seems to have realized that finding another trade for Monk will be a tall task and is exploring other scenarios.
“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,” Stein added.
Even if Perry figures out a way for Westbrook and Monk to coexist financially, it remains to be seen how the two could be used effectively on a squad already stacked with guards.
When Westbrook opted out of his contract with the Denver Nuggets this summer, one of his priorities was securing a larger role. That could be a problem for the Kings, who would likely be unable to provide the Los Angeles native his desired playing time with a crowded backcourt.
While Westbrook’s valuable experience would certainly aid Sacramento’s goal of building a playoff roster, how that could work without Monk’s departure is a question the front office still needs to answer.
