A new trade idea has surfaced that would see the San Antonio Spurs acquire Malik Monk from the Sacramento Kings in what many are calling a bargain deal.
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Malik Monk
Sacramento Kings Receive: Keldon Johnson, 2026 Atlanta Hawks first-round pick swap, 2026 Utah Jazz second-round pick
The framework has San Antonio receiving Monk, who averaged 17.2 points per game last season, in exchange for Keldon Johnson, a 2026 Hawks first-round pick swap, and a 2026 Jazz second-round pick.
On paper, this move offers both teams something they need, but the headline is simple: the Spurs could add another strong scorer and playmaker next to Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, while the Kings shift toward new roster flexibility.
The Spurs Get A Valuable Bench Scorer
For the Spurs, Monk immediately fills a critical gap. San Antonio already shocked the NBA world at last season’s deadline when they landed De’Aaron Fox and followed it up by signing him to a $229 million extension.
Now, adding Monk, Fox’s longtime friend and college teammate, could create one of the most dangerous backcourts in the league. Monk had the best season of his career last year, averaging 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on 43.9% shooting from the field.
Even though his three-point percentage (32.5%) isn’t elite, Monk’s ability to create off the dribble and provide secondary playmaking makes him the kind of scorer who can take pressure off Fox and Wembanyama.
The other big point is chemistry. Fox and Monk have a long history together dating back to their Kentucky days, where they were one of college basketball’s most electric duos. They reunited with the Kings and were instrumental in breaking Sacramento’s 16-year playoff drought in 2023. Bringing them together again in San Antonio makes sense from both a basketball and a marketing standpoint.
Spurs fans are still buzzing about Fox’s arrival, and pairing him with Monk could accelerate the team’s timeline into playoff contention.
Of course, there’s a bit of drama that adds spice to the speculation. Some reports suggested Monk wasn’t entirely happy with how Fox handled his departure from Sacramento.
There were even whispers about an awkward exchange involving Monk and Fox’s wife, which led to rumors of tension. Still, nothing concrete has emerged to suggest the two couldn’t coexist again. In fact, reuniting them might be exactly what both players need to push past any lingering frustrations and lock in on competing at the highest level.
The Kings Move On From Malik Monk
On the other side of the trade, Sacramento would move on from Monk while gaining assets and flexibility. The Kings get Keldon Johnson, a 24-year-old forward who averaged 12.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists last season while shooting 48.2% from the field. Johnson’s minutes and role have steadily declined over the last two years, and he’s clearly in need of a fresh start.
The Kings could use his size and strength on the wing, particularly as they try to balance a roster that has been heavily guard-dependent. His contract, year three of a four-year, $74 million deal, is manageable and fits Sacramento’s salary structure.
The draft compensation, while not overwhelming, provides future flexibility. The Hawks’ pick swap in 2026 could be valuable depending on Atlanta’s trajectory, and the Jazz second-rounder adds depth to Sacramento’s asset chest. But the bigger story is Sacramento’s desire to move off Monk to pursue other options.
One name that continues to surface is Russell Westbrook, who has been linked to the Kings and could provide veteran leadership while fitting into their up-tempo style. The Lakers are also rumored to be in the mix for Monk, offering a similar package to what the Spurs could put forward.
Both Teams Can Walk Away From This Deal With Something Valuable
Ultimately, this trade works because both teams walk away satisfied. The Spurs get a proven 17-point scorer who already has chemistry with their star point guard and can ease the offensive load on Wembanyama. The Kings gain a versatile young forward, draft flexibility, and the chance to pivot toward other roster moves.
If this deal went through, San Antonio would instantly have one of the most intriguing trios in the NBA with Wembanyama, Fox, and Monk, a blend of youth, explosiveness, and star power.
Meanwhile, Sacramento would gain a new direction while keeping itself competitive. In a league where chemistry, value, and timing often matter more than anything else, this might be the rare trade where everyone wins.
