The Milwaukee Bucks have been linked to some big names on the trade market-Ja Morant, Michael Porter Jr.-but there's another path they could take. Rather than swinging for a superstar, GM Jon Horst could look to reshape the roster with high-impact role players who fill specific needs. One name that stands out: Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk.
Why Monk Makes Sense for Milwaukee
Let’s start with the basics. Malik Monk is a 6’3”, 200-pound combo guard who’s quietly become one of the most efficient bench scorers in the league.
He’s averaging 12.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game this season while shooting 44.6% from the field, 42.1% from three, and 85.9% from the line. Those are strong numbers-especially the three-point shooting, which the Bucks could certainly use more of off the bench.
Monk’s career arc is a study in perseverance. Drafted 11th overall by Charlotte back in 2017, he struggled to find his footing early in the league.
His four seasons with the Hornets were underwhelming, and when they declined to extend a qualifying offer, he signed a veteran minimum deal with the Lakers in 2021. That’s where things clicked.
He averaged nearly 14 points per game that year, showcasing the scoring punch and shot-making that made him a lottery pick in the first place.
Sacramento saw the value and locked him in on a two-year deal. Since then, Monk has twice finished top five in Sixth Man of the Year voting and posted a career-best 17.2 points per game last season. He’s proven he can be a spark plug scorer and a capable ball handler in second units-something the Bucks have lacked all season.
The Sacramento Situation
This season, though, has been up and down for Monk. While his shooting efficiency has improved-up to 45% from the field and a scorching 42.7% from deep-his role has shrunk under new head coach Doug Christie.
His minutes have dropped from 31.6 per game last season to just 22, and he’s taking fewer shots across the board. There was even a stretch in early January where he was a healthy scratch in three of four games.
That said, Monk has worked his way back into the rotation. Over his last 10 games, he’s averaging 24.8 minutes, 15.5 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.1 rebounds. His assist rate is down compared to last season-16.1% this year versus 24.7% last season-but he’s still shown flashes of being a capable secondary playmaker.
There’s also the contract situation. Monk has one guaranteed year left after this season, with a team option in 2027-28.
Sacramento reportedly floated him in trade talks earlier this season-most notably in a proposed deal with Golden State for Jonathan Kuminga, which didn’t gain traction. The Kings seem open to moving him, and that’s where the Bucks come in.
A Trade That Could Work
Based on recent reporting, the Bucks have shown interest in Monk, and there’s been chatter around a deal involving Bobby Portis. One possible trade structure: Milwaukee sends out Portis and Amir Coffey in exchange for Monk, backup big man Precious Achiuwa, and a 2032 unprotected second-round pick from Sacramento.
From a cap perspective, the Bucks can absorb Monk’s contract without crossing the tax line-they’ve got $11.5 million in room to work with. While they’d be taking on the more expensive deal in the short term, they’d also be picking up a valuable second-round pick and a versatile bench scorer who fits their timeline.
For the Kings, they’d shave $5.4 million off their books for next season and gain flexibility. Portis could be flipped again, or serve as a veteran presence depending on their direction. It’s a move that could benefit both sides.
Short-Term Sacrifice, Long-Term Vision
With Giannis Antetokounmpo dealing with his second calf injury of the season, Milwaukee is 3-11 without him-and that’s not a fluke. The Bucks have struggled to stay afloat in non-Giannis minutes, and the upcoming road trip doesn’t offer much relief. Realistically, this season is starting to look like a reset year.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Look at what the 76ers and Raptors did last season-strategic positioning in a deep draft can pay off. If the Bucks can keep their lottery pick and retool around Giannis, they’ll be in a much stronger position moving forward.
Adding Monk could be part of that retool. His $20.1 million salary next season, when paired with someone like Kyle Kuzma ($20.3 million), gives Milwaukee the flexibility to match salaries up to $50.7 million in a future deal. That opens the door to chase big names like Donovan Mitchell, Kawhi Leonard, or Lauri Markkanen if they become available.
Even if the Bucks keep Monk into next season, he’d be a valuable bench piece. Compared to other options-Cole Anthony, Kevin Porter Jr.-Monk brings more scoring, better shooting, and a proven track record as a sixth man.
The Fit in Milwaukee
Let’s be clear: Monk isn’t solving the Bucks’ defensive issues. But that’s not why you bring him in.
His value lies in his ability to generate offense, especially when Giannis is off the floor. Milwaukee’s reserve guards-Gary Trent Jr., Gary Harris, and Anthony-are combining for just 18 points per game.
Monk is nearly matching that on his own.
He’s also become a strong pick-and-roll operator. Last season, he averaged five P&R possessions per game and scored 0.90 points per possession-solid, if unspectacular.
This year, that number has jumped to 0.99 PPP on three possessions per game, ranking him 19th out of 85 qualified players. The volume’s down, but the efficiency is up.
Put him in a two-man game with Giannis, and you’ve got something to work with. Monk can also space the floor-he’s hitting 45.3% of his catch-and-shoot threes this season.
That’s elite. Whether he’s running the offense or playing off the ball, he gives Milwaukee a much-needed scoring punch.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t about going all-in for a title this season. It’s about building a more balanced, flexible roster around Giannis for the seasons to come.
Monk fits that mold-he’s young, productive, and under team control beyond this year. He may not be the blockbuster name fans are dreaming about, but he could be exactly the kind of player the Bucks need to stabilize their second unit and add offensive versatility.
If the price is right, Milwaukee should make the call.