Raptors Eye Trade Options for RJ Barrett; Kings Continue Malik Monk Talks; Nets, Cam Thomas Remain Apart on Contract Value
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Multiple teams are weighing roster moves as training camp approaches, with the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets each facing key decisions, according to league reports.
Raptors
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line and Bleacher Report said veteran wing RJ Barrett is viewed inside league circles as Toronto’s most realistic trade chip. Barrett’s name was previously floated in February discussions centered on Brandon Ingram, but the New Orleans Pelicans showed limited interest.
Barrett’s representatives are “fully aware” their client could be included in future negotiations, Fischer noted during a Bleacher Report livestream. Despite that possibility, Fischer currently projects the Raptors to operate as buyers unless injuries or other setbacks alter their plans.
Kings
The Kings have aggressively shopped guard Malik Monk this offseason, a league source told Grant Afseth of the Dallas Hoops Journal. Sacramento even proposed sending Monk’s expiring $18.8 million contract to Golden State for restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, but the Warriors declined.
League sources indicated Sacramento’s primary motive is to clear a roster spot for free-agent guard Russell Westbrook, whom the club envisions as a sixth man behind Dennis Schroder.
Monk, 27, produced 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists across 65 games last season while shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 32.5 percent from three-point range. The former lottery pick owns career averages of 12.3 points and 3.2 assists with Charlotte, the Lakers and Sacramento.
Nets
Restricted free agent Cam Thomas initially set his sights on a contract in the $40 million-per-year range, but several executives surveyed by The Athletic valued him closer to $20-$30 million annually on a short-term deal. NBC Sports reported that an offer similar to Kuminga’s rumored two-year, $45 million framework could bridge the gap.
Brooklyn, holding matching rights, has presented a two-year mid-level exception offer worth roughly $14.1 million, with the second season as a team option. Thomas can either accept that proposal or play 2025-26 on his $5.9 million qualifying offer and enter unrestricted free agency next summer.
Thomas, 23, averaged 24.0 points and 3.8 assists last season while hitting 34.9 percent from beyond the arc. With recent additions Michael Porter Jr. and Terance Mann, the Nets could rely heavily on his scoring punch if he returns.
Source: Hoops Wire
