The Sacramento Kings entered the new season looking to fight for a playoff spot in the stacked Western Conference after they decided to keep their core together in the offseason.
Of course, many around the NBA expected the Kings to begin a rebuild in the offseason after trading De’Aaron Fox last season but that was not the case as they kept their core of Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine together.
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Sacramento Kings stars Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan© Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
The Kings have gotten off to a 1-2 start to begin the season and if they continue to struggle, they could end up being a major seller ahead of the trade deadline if they find themselves out of the playoff race in the West.
If that is the case, Sacramento could choose to move multiple players, including those outside of their star trio.
Cavaliers Could Show Interest in Malik Monk if Kings Look to Move Him
One player the Kings could look to move ahead of the trade deadline this season is veteran guard Malik Monk.
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Of course, Monk was in trade rumors for most of the offseason as it was reported that the Kings were looking to move him after he put together the best season of his career last season.
Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0)Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Despite this, the 27-year-old guard did not draw much interest from teams around the NBA, though that could change ahead of the trade deadline.
A team that could show interest in Monk this season is the Cleveland Cavaliers if they look to add another solid scorer to improve their bench as they try to make a run for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
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Mock Trade Sends Kings’ Malik Monk to Cavaliers for De’Andre Hunter
In a potential trade, the Kings could send Monk and Drew Eubanks to the Cavaliers in exchange for De’Andre Hunter.
Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0)Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
For the Kings, moving on from Monk may not be a difficult decision for them to make this season after shopping him in the summer and swapping him and Eubanks for Hunter would fill a key area of need for them.
Hunter is a great two-way forward, which is something the Kings have been in need of, who could play a large role for Sacramento if they were to make this trade.
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Cleveland Cavaliers forward De’Andre Hunter (12)David Richard-Imagn Images
Last season, the 27-year-old forward averaged 17.0 points, 4.0 rebound and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 47.0% from the field and 40.5% from three with the Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks.
The former fourth overall pick is a solid scorer who the Kings could use at the forward position but he is better known for his defense, which is something Sacramento could desperately use.
Despite this, the Kings may hold off on this deal due to Hunter’s injury history, though he would fill a key area of need for them as they try to compete for a playoff spot this season in the West.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.