Did Warriors make mistake rejecting trade for Kings guard?

The Golden State Warriors may have remorse for failing to deal for a key Sacramento Kings guard.

Warriors might have made a mistake by not trading for Malik Monk

According to ESPN, the Warriors could’ve accepted a trade for Monk involving Jonathan Kuminga:

”The Warriors had shut down sign-and-trades, steadfast all offseason in declining frameworks of Royce O’Neale and second-round compensation from the Phoenix Suns or Malik Monk and a future first-round pick from the Sacramento Kings,” sources told ESPN.

Kuminga’s been in a bevy of trade talks for the last year. Monk would have been a great return.

In 2024-25, the Kings allowed Monk to raise his game to a new height. The Arkansas native stepped in at floor general with a good deal of success.

Warriors failed to create a dynamic duo with Monk

In his first year at the position, Monk sported a 5.6-2.4 assist-to-turnover ratio. The veteran playmaker also scored 2.1 three-pointers per game.

Seeing that Monk is always a 20-point scoring threat, the former Sixth Man of the Year candidate twice over could have formed a strong pairing with Stephen Curry in Golden State.

Now that Kuminga’s long tug-of-war with the Warriors is leaning in his favor, getting a nice return for his work would have benefited the team. As a result, Golden State should look for ways to bring Monk in midseason for a stronger chance at a title.

The nine-year star, once the 2025-26 campaign begins, is under contract for three more seasons at roughly $20 million annually. Thus, a deal of this magnitude makes sense for Golden State.

By Matthew Legros

Matt Legros grew up in New York City and has interned for CBS Sports and SNY, and written for ... More about Matthew Legros