Sacramento Kings’ Malik Monk Named Trade Target for Dallas Mavericks
The Sacramento Kings shooting guard Malik Monk has drawn trade interest from the Dallas Mavericks, according to NBA analyst Dan Favale of Bleacher Report. The Mavericks, struggling early in the season with a 2-6 record, could view Monk as a solution to their offensive issues.
“Malik Monk isn’t a top-tier initiator for others, but he creates havoc with his downhill juice,” wrote Favale. “He’s also no stranger to working out of tight spaces.”
Favale noted that during his time with the Kings, Monk displayed strong playmaking out of drives, even when Sacramento’s floor spacing lacked consistency. The analyst suggested that Monk’s addition would immediately ease the pressure on rookie Cooper Flagg by offering another ball-handler and offensive option.
“Pressure will immediately be alleviated off Cooper Flagg’s shoulders. Monk is both a ball-handling alternative and an outlet for the rookie’s paint touches,” explained Favale.
Monk is currently hitting more than 55 percent of his catch-and-shoot three-point attempts and has experience playing in guard-heavy lineups. Favale predicted that Monk could start in the interim before transitioning to a bench role once Kyrie Irving returns, or he could share the court with Irving due to his versatile fit.
Possible Trade Scenarios
The Kings reportedly need additional frontcourt depth and wing players, which could make a trade with Dallas feasible.
“Finding a workable deal is pretty straightforward. The Kings need... a backup big and more combo forwards. Dallas could end up landing Monk for Daniel Gafford or Naji Marshall, salary filler, and little else,” Favale added.
With the Mavericks ranking last in the NBA in scoring and offensive efficiency, acquiring Monk could provide a much-needed scoring punch and perimeter spacing around Flagg.
Author’s Summary
Analyst Dan Favale sees Malik Monk as a strong fit for Dallas, offering scoring and playmaking depth to boost a struggling Mavericks offense around rookie Cooper Flagg.