Fumbled Pascal Siakam Trade Helped Kings Front Office Make $78 Million Decision on Malik Monk’s Future

The Sacramento Kings have truly found a blessing in disguise. Earlier reports revealed the Kings’ attempt to rope in Pascal Siakam in free agency. But, the 6 ‘8 tall forward put an end to the reports after he signed a 4-year contract and extended his stay at Indianapolis. Moreover, the recent update from The Athletic revealed that Siakam forced himself out of the Kings’ offer because of “gossipy-type feedback”. However, the Sac-Town seemed to have had the last laugh.

Sam Amick of The Athletic revealed that Pascal Siakam refused to trade with the Kings because of the comments spilled out of the front office. The Kings FO seemed to have “gossipy” comments on the star’s game which apparently reached him. Notably, the Kings were “extremely interested” in roping in Pascal in a trade involving Harrison Barnes.

While the trade didn’t see the light of day, the Kings rushed forward to retain Malik Monk with a $78 million contract for four years. Apparently, the Sacramento side seemed to have evaded huge financial strain. Pascal Siakam signed up for a $189 million worth deal. It was expected to go further up if the Kings had managed to crack the deal and, in turn, affecting Monk’s contract extension.

To cut right to the chase, if the Sac-Town had roped in Siakam for a huge deal, then the front office would have to take a hit in the luxury tax to retain Monk. In short, the Kings have managed to escape a financial strain by fumbling with the big man trade.

The Kings currently have 12 players on their contract after the latest retention. Taking Monk’s $19 million salary per year, they have a committed played salary of $171 million (approx). It is below the projected luxury tax of $172 million. Nevertheless, the team might have to tread carefully into the off-season before landing a trade.

Who will the Kings eye in the off-season?

The Sac-Town has two of their best stars in their prime, De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. And, with them, the Kings have definitely made their case as a championship-worthy side. In the 2022-23 season, they ended their 16-year playoff drought and made it to the post-season as a 3rd seed. However, it came crashing down after losing to the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of the First Round. In the following season, which is the 2023-24 season, the team, despite a promising performance, failed to make it to the postseason.

Fox said, “We have to be better… we have to be a more consistent team… we could be a gift and a curse,” speaking after a loss in the regular season game. So if the team heads into the next season without making a major change to their roster, then the team will have a similar fate.

Earlier, a Bleacher Report article suggested that the team could look to rope in Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. The forward star, who is healthy, also provides some help on the defensive end with his size and athleticism. Nonetheless, the team will take a hit on his luxury tax. Which player do you think will end the Kings’ misery? Let us know in the comments.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the WNBA sensations Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, in this video