The Sacramento Kings are reportedly looking to clear out their backcourt before making a deal with free agent Russell Westbrook, with names like Malik Monk and Devin Carter mentioned to be in the mix, per ABC10's and Kings insider Matt George. The Milwaukee Bucks should consider lending a hand if they can acquire a player like Malik Monk.
Bucks could use another strong creator like Malik Monk
How do the Milwaukee Bucks get Malik Monk? The Athletic's Sam Vecenie already floated a possible scenario earlier this summer, with Kyle Kuzma going to the Kings in a swap, as the two do have similar salaries for next season. Per Vecenie, Kuzma did have fans in Sacramento's front office from prior years, so it's not far-fetched to think that is still lurking.
Sacramento almost certainly wouldn't do a straight-up Kuzma for Monk swap, but if the Bucks could get a deal done without sacrificing a first, perhaps by throwing a young player or other capital in the deal, it's worth pursuing.
For a team that could use a legitimate small forward above all else, a shooting guard like Monk isn't a perfect fit, but he could certainly help. Averaging 17.2 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds last year, all of which were career highs, the guard can stuff the stat sheet. With Damian Lillard gone, the Bucks could use another shot-creator, and Monk could certainly provide a jolt on the offensive end.
At 27, Monk is still young enough that he'd fit right in with the recent youth movement Milwaukee has undergone this summer. He's the type of uber-athletic sparkplug that could inject even more energy into a backcourt that already has Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, and Cole Anthony. Having them would help out Giannis, making sure he does not have to take on all of the offensive responsibility.
As for the outgoing piece, Kyle Kuzma simply didn't fit with Milwaukee last season. He struggled in the playoffs so mightily that he got himself benched. That undoubtedly wasn't the expectation when they traded for him. Sure, he could be better with a full offseason as a Buck under his belt, but that's a bold risk after what he showed in Milwaukee late last season.
Whether it's for Malik Monk or not, everyone is waiting to see what the Milwaukee Bucks will do next or if their offseason moves are done outside of Andre Jackson Jr.'s looming contract decision.
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