The Golden State Warriors remain stuck in limbo with Jonathan Kuminga. Negotiations around his extension continue to stall, with ESPN’s Anthony Slater reporting the forward’s camp wants a player option added to Golden State’s $75.2 million offer. Until that gets sorted, the team has struggled to make other moves.
Now, a former NBA All-Star has weighed in with his own advice.
Why Teague Thinks Monk Fits the Warriors
On a recent episode of his Club 520 podcast, former NBA guard Jeff Teague suggested the Warriors should target Malik Monk in a potential trade.
“Malik Monk could actually be a fire addition to the Warriors… But I think they are set in a big… That’s what they need more than anything. I think he’d be a fire addition though, cuz they need a spark plug like him. That’s the Jordan Poole type of player right there,” Teague said.
Teague sees Monk as a scorer who could thrive next to Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, playing a role similar to Jordan Poole during Golden State’s 2022 championship run.
Why the Warriors Have Hesitated
The trade concept has been floated for months: Kuminga to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Monk and draft compensation. But according to Sam Amick, the Warriors’ interest in Monk has been muted.
“Several obstacles to a deal remain, most notably the fact that the Warriors’ interest in Monk appears to be quite muted,” Amick reported. “His contract is the primary issue, as he has a player option for the 2027–28 season worth $21.5 million that does not fit with the Warriors’ future flexibility plans. There are concerns about his fit on the team as well. If they did take him on, team sources said it’s likely Golden State would look to trade him elsewhere. The problem with that path, however, is that there’s no clarity as to whether that would be possible anytime soon.”
What Monk Brings to the Table
Monk’s production last season makes it clear why some, like Teague, see him as a fit. The 27-year-old averaged 17.2 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. He played that role while sharing the floor with high-usage stars like DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine in Sacramento, showing he can excel without dominating the ball.
Teague even argued Monk could thrive more than Poole did in Golden State’s system:
“I think if he got in that system with those veterans and those players that could mold him a little more, he’ll probably be better than Jordan Poole, to be honest,” Teague said. “I’m not saying he’s a better player. Jordan Poole is cold, but Jordan Poole grew up in that system, so he figured out how to be successful in it.”
What’s Next for the Warriors?
Golden State has to decide how far they are willing to go with Kuminga. Teague believes adding Monk would give the Warriors a reliable scorer to support Curry and Butler. But the front office is wary of Monk’s contract and whether he is worth sacrificing long-term flexibility.
The season is closing in, and the Warriors do not have unlimited time. Kuminga’s extension standoff and the Monk trade rumors remain unresolved. Whether Golden State stays patient or makes a bold move, the clock is ticking.
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