The Sacramento Kings don’t have a first-round pick in the 2025 draft. However, the Kings reportedly want to change that fact. According to Hoopshype, the Kings are gauging the trade interest of Malik Monk and Devin Carter in search of a trade partner.
“The Kings have expressed a desire to acquire a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft,” league sources told HoopsHype. “Amid those conversations, Sacramento has gauged the trade market on guards Malik Monk and Devin Carter, sources said.”
Kings Reportedly Dangling Two Guards In Trade Talks
Sacramento’s new general manager, Scott Perry, has been very busy working the phones since taking over the Kings from Monte McNair. So, it is not surprising that Perry is looking to add talent to a team that is in transition.
Sacramento got off to a disappointing start last season, but the Kings went 27-24 under Doug Christie and made the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. The Kings improved their offensive efficiency under Christie, though they were much worse defensively than they had been under Mike Brown.
Monk was one of the players Christie unleashed offensively — DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine also thrived. After December 27, Monk averaged 18.1 points and 6.1 assists with shooting splits of 43.8/30.7/88.7 in 41 appearances. He topped the 20-point mark 18 times during this stretch, pouring in 30 three times, while also producing three double-doubles.
Meanwhile, Carter got off to a late start as he underwent shoulder surgery last July. While Carter didn’t receive a lot of playing time last season, he did demonstrate some of the scoring and defensive ability that earned him the No. 13 pick in the 2024 draft when he saw at least 20 minutes of game time.
Carter turned in his best performance on March 19 against Cleveland, where he produced 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals. In 36 appearances overall, the 23-year-old averaged 3.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists with shooting splits of 37/29.5/59.1. He scored in double figures three times.
Sacramento’s Roster Situation
Sacramento has 10 players under contract with a salary cap hit of $167.94 million. The Kings could save a little more on their cap by not exercising team options on Isaac Jones ($1.9 million) and Keon Ellis ($2.3 million). However, expect both players to remain on the squad.
Jones is highly athletic and was effective in limited minutes with the Kings. Meanwhile, Ellis continued his development offensively and is known for his defensive ability. His contract does not fully guarantee until January 10.
Sacramento was the ninth-oldest team a season ago, and only four of the 10 players on its roster are 25 years old or younger. The Kings don’t have a first-round pick in 2025 as they dealt that pick to Atlanta back in 2022 for Kevin Huerter. They do own the No. 42 selection overall.
Sacramento has seven first-round selections between 2026 and 2031. The Kings also have six second-round selections.
The Last Word
Sacramento has a plethora of scorers. What the Kings need is a point guard, which is likely why they want a first-round selection. Monk and LaVine can both play the point, but they are more effective on the wing, where they can create opportunities. The Kings’ backcourt ranked in the bottom third in efficiency of the league after the all-star break. More specifically, the Kings’ point guards were the fifth-worst in the league during this stretch and ranked last with 5.6 assists per game.
Monk is a quality guard off the bench, who can light up the scoreboard when he gets going. Monk has developed into a quality distributor and doesn’t turn the ball over a lot. But he is a high-volume 3-point shooter who is a defensive liability. While he has a relatively reasonable contract, he still has three years remaining on the deal.
Carter has some potential, but he wasn’t healthy enough to fully showcase his abilities. The point being, it is hard to imagine that any team would be willing to give up a “valuable” first-round pick for Monk. So, don’t expect either player to be dealt for a first-rounder unless part of a bigger deal.
That being said, teams with multiple first-round picks may be willing to deal this year and move their lower selection. Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans Pelicans, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Washington Wizards. If a trade does occur, the Kings would have to give up future first-round draft picks and take back contracts.
Teams Who May Trade a First Round Pick for Malik Monk and Devin Carter
Atlanta needs bigs and has a bunch of guards. Monk wouldn’t fit alongside Trae Young, although if the Hawks were sure that Young would either sign an extension or pick up his player option (2025-26), Monk could be a viable option. The Hawks own picks at Nos. 13 and 22.
Brooklyn needs talent. The Nets have four first-round selections and have a treasure chest of future picks. So, they may be willing to move the No. 19, No. 26, and No. 27 picks. Would the Nets do a Monk, Carter, and a couple of future first-round draft picks (Spurs 2027 and Kings 2028) trade for the No. 19 pick and Cam Johnson?
New Orleans is an exciting option. The Pelicans just traded for Jordan Poole, but they need to upgrade their bench. The No. 7 pick is likely not for sale, but the Pels may be willing to move the No. 23 pick.
Oklahoma City has just won the NBA championship, so they are unlikely to make many roster changes. Nikola Topic should be healthy and available for the Thunder after missing all of last season. General manager Sam Presti may be willing to work with the Kings if Sacramento takes back at least two of the following: Isaiah Joe, Kenrich Williams, and Aaron Wiggins. The Thunder own the No. 15 and No. 24 picks in this year’s draft.
Utah has the cap space and several expiring deals that they may be willing to do a deal. The Jazz won’t trade the No. 5 pick, but perhaps No. 21 would be on sale. The Jazz have been rumored to be interested in trading Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton. They have several future draft picks, so Danny Ainge may be willing to add more.
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