Malik Monk, Devin Carter Reportedly Linked to Trade Talks as Kings Seek 1st-Round Pick
The Sacramento Kings reportedly are in the market for a first-round pick and could be willing to part with a pair of guards ahead of the draft.
Per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the Kings "have been active in trade talks" since replacing Monte McNair with Scott Perry as general manager, and the team has "expressed a desire" to land a first-round pick in this year's draft. Scotto added that "Sacramento has gauged the trade market on guards Malik Monk and Devin Carter."
Monk is coming off the best season of his career, putting up career-highs in points (17.2), assists (5.6) and rebounds (3.8). He started 45 of the 65 games he played, the most starts in a season in his career, and played a career-high 31.6 minutes per contest.
The 27-year-old is on a relatively affordable contract and is set to make $18.8 million next season, meaning he should have some interest on the trade market.
Carter, whom the Kings selected 13th overall in last year's draft out of Providence, had a bit of a forgettable rookie season, appearing in just 36 games and putting up 3.8 points per game. He dealt with injuries throughout the year and spent some time in the G-League.
Carter might pique the interest of some teams looking for a project player, but he alone wouldn't command the first-round pick the Sacramento covets.
The Kings have just one pick in this year's draft: the 42nd overall from the Chicago Bulls. The Atlanta Hawks have Sacramento's first-rounder, which is the 13th overall pick. Had the Kings fallen just one spot in the draft lottery to the 12th pick, they would have kept their first-rounder since it was a protected pick.
