NBA trade rumor: Lakers predicted to bag $81 million Sacramento Kings power duo
Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly in talks to reacquire Malik Monk from the Sacramento Kings. The proposed trade would send Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt to Sacramento, potentially including rookie Devin Carter. This move aims to bolster the Lakers' bench scoring while offering the Kings financial flexibility and defensive reinforcement.
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The Los Angeles Lakers are discussing a trade that would bring Malik Monk back to the roster. The framework being circulated sends Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt to the Sacramento Kings, with rookie Devin Carter possibly included.The timing lines up for both sides. Los Angeles is off to a 16-6 start but still lacks steady bench scoring. Sacramento is 5-17 and facing questions about fit, money, and direction as the February 5 deadline approaches.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers are interested
The Los Angeles Lakers’ second unit has struggled to score. Vincent has not been reliable after injuries, and Vanderbilt’s value comes almost entirely on defense. The need is clear: points when the starters sit.Monk fills that gap. He can score quickly, shoot from deep, and has already played well next to LeBron James. In his previous season with the Lakers, he averaged 13.8 points per game and was a regular part of closing lineups.
How the trade works financially
Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers (Image via Getty)
Gabe Vincent’s expiring $11.5 million deal and Jarred Vanderbilt’s three-year, $48 million extension combine to about $81 million in outgoing salary. Malik Monk is in the second year of a four-year, $78 million contract, earning $18.7 million this season.
For Sacramento, the appeal is flexibility. Vanderbilt adds defense and rebounding. Vincent’s deal comes off the books soon. Including Carter would help balance value while allowing the Kings to move off Monk’s long-term contract.
Contract overview
Player
Contract
Notes
Malik Monk
4 years, $78M
Second year, $18.7M
Gabe Vincent
Expiring
$11.5M
Jarred Vanderbilt
3 years, $48M
Defense-focused role
Devin Carter
Rookie deal
Perimeter defender
On-court impact
For the Los Angeles Lakers, Monk becomes the main scorer off the bench. His shooting helps spacing and reduces pressure on the starters. The cost is losing Vanderbilt’s defense, especially against bigger lineups.For the Kings, Jarred Vanderbilt helps a defense that has leaked points. Vincent provides guard depth without long-term commitment. The downside is losing one of their few players who can create his own shot.