A new trade proposal circulating in NBA circles suggests the Los Angeles Lakers could bring back a familiar face, Malik Monk, in exchange for forward Rui Hachimura and future draft picks.
The deal would send Monk to Los Angeles while Sacramento would receive Hachimura, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2032 second-round pick from the Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Malik Monk
Sacramento Kings Receive: Rui Hachimura, 2031 Los Angeles Lakers first-round pick, 2032 Los Angeles Lakers second-round pick
On paper, the numbers line up. Monk is entering the second year of his four-year, $77.9 million contract, which pays him $18.7 million in 2025-26, nearly identical to Rui Hachimura’s $18.2 million salary. From a cap standpoint, the trade is feasible. But the implications stretch beyond just money.
Monk, who averaged 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game last season while shooting 43.9% from the field and 32.5% from deep, has established himself as one of the league’s premier scoring threats off the bench.
His ability to create his own shot, break down defenses, and catch fire as a microwave scorer could be a major asset to the Lakers, who are building around Luka Doncic and still holding onto LeBron James for what might be his final run.
However, the Lakers already possess a crowded backcourt rotation with Marcus Smart, Austin Reaves, Bronny James, and Gabe Vincent.
Adding Monk could boost their offensive firepower but it would also demand another reshuffling of their guard-heavy roster.
From Sacramento’s standpoint, the interest lies in moving off Monk’s contract. The Kings have explored ways to free up financial flexibility and had previously offered Monk in a sign-and-trade deal to the Golden State Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga, a deal that ultimately fell apart when Golden State backed out. With the Kings still shopping Monk, flipping him for an expiring contract like Rui’s makes sense.
Rui Hachimura is coming off an efficient season where he averaged 13.3 points per game, albeit in a limited sample size, on a scorching 50.9% shooting from the floor and 41.3% from three.
Hachimura remains a versatile, physically gifted forward who could help Sacramento as a rotational piece or trade chip next season before his deal expires.
Yet for the Lakers, the long-term consequences of this deal could create complications. Monk’s deal runs through the 2027-28 season, and the Lakers have over $111 million in expiring contracts coming off the books next summer.
Their front office has carefully positioned themselves to be players in the 2026 free agency sweepstakes.
Taking on Monk’s salary beyond 2026 would eat into that flexibility. Unless Monk performs at near All-Star level, the Lakers would be sacrificing future cap space for short-term bench scoring.
In essence, this deal presents a classic front office dilemma, immediate firepower versus long-term cap freedom. If Rob Pelinka believes Malik Monk can push the Lakers into championship contention with Luka and LeBron still leading the charge, the move makes sense. But if 2026 remains the target for a third superstar, this trade may be too costly in the long run.
