The Warriors reportedly reopened talks with the Kings on a potential sign-and-trade deal for Jonathan Kuminga. But the talks have reportedly stalled due to the Warriors’ lack of interest in Malik Monk, a key piece of the trade package the Kings offered to the Warriors.

Following the reports of this hurdle in the negotiations, former NBA champion Jeff Teague went on his podcast to speak about the Warriors’ reported objection to taking Malik Monk’s contract in a trade for Kuminga.

“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.”

“And 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. Cuz 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.” 

“But as a natural player that they need for that system, they don’t need somebody who’s gonna do way too much. Jordan Poole was doing a lot, which made him special… Like you knew he was going to be the next up-and-coming when Steph left.” 

“But for Steph to still be playing and thriving, saying he’s going to play for another five, six years, they need a player that can get you 18 but ain’t going to take too much away from you.”

A career 35% shooter from three-point range, Monk averaged 17.2 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds as the third option on the Kings’ roster behind DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. He has solid playmaking skills, but plays effectively off the ball as well, like we saw when he played with De’Aaron Fox to lead the Kings to the Playoffs in 2023.

Jordan Poole was widely credited as the X-factor in the Warriors’ 2022 NBA championship run. He averaged 17.0 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 39.1% from three-point range during the 2022 Playoffs to help Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green win their fourth NBA championship.

I agree with Jeff Teague that Monk could be a better addition to the Warriors than Poole ever was. Only a year older than Poole (26), Monk (27) is a lot more athletic, plays much better off the ball, and shoots better than Poole as well. Monk shot 43.4% from the field and 35.0% from three-point range for his career, while Poole shot 42.2% and 34.5% in the respective categories.

Hence, showing that Monk may have a larger upside than Poole did with the Warriors. Do you think the Warriors should trade for Monk to get rid of the Kuminga problem that has clouded their free-agency decisions? Let us know what you think in the comments section.