Kings Reportedly Eye Russell Westbrook, Want to Trade Monk or Carter Before Contract

The Sacramento Kings and Russell Westbrook continue to circle around each other in free agency, but the team is reportedly looking to clear out space in their backcourt before bringing him in.

Per Matt George of ABC 10 in Sacramento, the Kings are attempting to trade either Malik Monk or Devin Carter before giving Westbrook a contract.

Westbrook has been connected to Sacramento since before free agency officially began on June 30. Monk's name has popped up in trade rumors throughout the summer, with the Detroit Pistons cited as a potential landing spot in the 27-year-old.

The Pistons have added Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson in free agency, so their interest in Monk may not be as strong as it once seemed. Sacramento, at one point, was seeking a first-round draft pick to move Monk.

If that remains the asking price, the Kings could have difficulty finding a take because Monk is coming off a down season. He averaged a career-high 17.2 points per game in 65 appearances, but his 54.9 true shooting percentage was his worst since 2019-20.

Monk is also owed $39 million over the next two seasons combined and has a $21.6 million player option for 2026-27. Carter, the No. 13 pick in the 2024 draft, had a disappointing rookie season with 3.8 points on 37.0 percent shooting in 36 games.

The Kings already have a logjam in the backcourt after bringing in Dennis Schröder as a free agent. Adding Westbrook with their current group would only create more issues for head coach Doug Christie finding playing time for all of them.

Westbrook had a successful 2024-25 playing primarily off the bench for the Denver Nuggets. The nine-time All-Star averaged 13.3 points and 6.1 assists in 75 games.