In addition to Zach LaVine, one Sacramento Kings player the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly keeping an eye on is Malik Monk, per ESPN's Jamal Collier. Like LaVine, Monk could help the Bucks, who have some renewed hope now that Giannis Antetokounmpo has returned to the fold, but he likely isn't the piece who can push this team over the edge due to his lack of defense, rebounding, and size.
Bucks need what Malik Monk doesn't provide
Malik Monk's most desirable attribute is his scoring. Over the last four years with Sacramento, he has averaged 14.9 points per game and earned a second-place finish in the Sixth Man of the Year running in 2023-24. Another scorer to complement Giannis could be useful, but he's not doing much to help the team with its other, more pressing issues.
The Bucks have been burdened by a lack of size all year long, leading to constant undersized lineups. In turn, their rebounding has been poor, as they are tied for dead last in the NBA in boards per game, and opposing forwards have feasted on smaller defenders. A 6-foot-3, one-way guard isn't doing too much to help patch any of these flaws.
That is only amplified by the fact that trading for Monk would require the Bucks to part ways with one of Kyle Kuzma or Bobby Portis. Doing so should absolutely be on the table, but it will be much harder to sell if the Milwaukee Bucks are getting even smaller than they already are right now.
LaVine isn't much better. While he's a more formidable scorer and two inches taller than Monk, he is making over $20 million more this season. The juice might not be worth the squeeze with either of these players if the Milwaukee Bucks are looking to make a splashy move that solves any of their recurring problems.
Jerami Grant, the third target linked to the Bucks by Collier and other outlets, might make the most sense due to his size. Standing at 6-foot-7, Grant would give the Bucks a legitimate small forward to give this team some size. Yet, the $32 million he is making this season, as well as the money he can take home over the next two seasons, Grant isn't perfect in his own right, either.
Nothing is imminent. The Milwaukee Bucks are clearly still in the early stages of scanning the market for their next target.
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