Charlotte Hornets rumor: Milwaukee Bucks interested in trading for Malik Monk
The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly interested in trading for Charlotte Hornets’ rookie Malik Monk who has fallen out of the team’s rotation.
According to Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times, the Milwaukee Bucks have contacted the Charlotte Hornets about rookie Malik Monk. The 11th overall pick from the 2017 draft has struggled to maintain a consistent role with the Hornets this season. Milwaukee is looking to trade for the combo-guard in an attempt to add backcourt depth.
Woelfel added that “There is apparently a split in the Hornets’ hierarchy as to whether they should keep Monk or move him.” This may explain why despite the front office having so much faith in his potential, the Kentucky product rarely gets consistent playing time. It’s clear that the entire franchise isn’t entirely sold on Malik.
If that is the case, it could be causing some serious issues among management. Rich Cho could be looking to sell the rookie to improve the team short-term in an attempt to make the playoffs this season. It’s unclear what the Bucks would offer Charlotte but they have the assets (players and picks) to do so.
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Monk is averaging 5.1 points per game and 1.4 assists per game this season in limited playing time (12.7 minutes per game). He’s shooting 33.7% from the field, 34.2% from three and 70.6% from the free throw line in 37 appearances. It’s been a pretty underwhelming year for the rookie who has been benched in favor of Michael Carter-Williams because of defensive reasons.
Despite his struggles, he is only 19-years old which means he has plenty of time and space to develop into a quality NBA player in a couple seasons. He’s also had a few glimpses of brilliance this year. So it makes sense as to why some teams, including the Bucks, would want to buy-low on the young player. Monk even said that this season is a learning year for him. (BasketballInsiders.com)
Out of all the rookies in the NBA this season, Malik ranks 31st in minutes played. Mulitple players who were picked after Monk, including a number of second-round picks, have seen more playing time than the Hornets’ rookie this year. He also ranks 26th in points scored among rookies.
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It will be interesting to see if anything happens involving Malik Monk before the NBA trade deadline on February 8th. Although the Charlotte Hornets aren’t actively shopping their prospect, there are plenty of teams who would be interested in trading for a young player who has plenty of athleticism, shooting range and offensive ability.