Kings’ Malik Monk calls Sacramento ‘home’ as Jonathan Kuminga saga ends
Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk spoke publicly for the first time Monday after being the subject of rampant trade speculation over the summer.
Monk met with reporters during media day at the team’s Golden 1 Center practice facility as the Kings prepared to start training camp Tuesday.
Monk has been at the center of sign-and-trade talks for Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, but he is unfazed by the rumors that have swirled around him, saying Sacramento is still where he wants to be. is
“I bought a house, bought some acres, so you tell me,” Monk said.
The summerlong Kuminga saga came to an end Tuesday when he agreed to a two-year, $48.5 million contract with the Warriors. Monk’s name could come up in future talks leading up to the February trade deadline as general manager Scott Perry seeks to balance the roster, but for now Monk seems safe in Sacramento.
The 27-year-old guard said he felt like he had found a home in Sacramento after signing a four-year, $78 million contract extension last summer. He said his feelings haven’t changed as he enters his fourth season with the Kings.
“Like I said before, I feel at home here,” Monk said. “I love it here.”
Monk, who was runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year in 2023-24, will likely return to a backup role after starting at point guard following the trade that sent De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs. Monk is still considered a key member of Sacramento’s rotation after averaging career highs of 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists last season.
Monk was asked if a summer of uncertainty and trade rumors have shaken his sense of belonging in Sacramento.
“For some people, yeah, but for me, what I’ve been through, no,” Monk said. “And my support system is amazing. My brother, my agent, my mom, they always keep me upbeat, but I came to talk to Scott, too, right before everything, and he told me the same thing my agent told me.
“I like that from Scott. I appreciate him for coming forward and telling me to come talk to him. That’s being professional. A lot of GMs don’t do that, so I thank Scott for that.”
This story was originally published October 1, 2025 at 11:31 AM.
