The Sacramento Kings are closing out their Summer League schedule in Las Vegas this weekend, and the exhibition games have offered more lessons than answers as the regular season approaches. While most roster decisions are likely set, new general manager Scott Perry still has flexibility—whether by shedding veteran contracts or pursuing a blockbuster deal for Detroit's Jalen Duren. But the real purpose of Summer League is evaluation, and for the Kings, one need has become undeniable: a reliable secondary ball handler behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr.

Acuff, the seventh overall pick, ended his summer with a dazzling 26-point performance, pouring in 16 points during the third quarter. The NBA's official social media highlighted his outburst, noting the scoring surge and playmaking flair. However, his Summer League run was inconsistent, with defensive struggles and shaky decision-making tempering his offensive brilliance. Still, his raw talent as a scorer and passer is clearly NBA-ready. The problem? No other player on the Summer League roster emerged as a consistent primary ball handler.

The Kings' offense often looked stagnant during these exhibitions. Their victories in the California Classic came down to late-game defense and clutch shot-making, not fluid ball movement. Emanuel Sharp stood out as a three-and-D contributor but lacks the instincts to run an offense. Nique Clifford once again drew attention as a potential point guard, yet he remains more comfortable as a wing. Meanwhile, two-way players Isaiah Stevens and Adam Flagler failed to make a strong impression. They could develop, but relying on them for meaningful minutes would be a gamble.

This brings the focus back to the veteran roster. Since Perry took over, several players have been considered trade candidates. DeMar DeRozan was waived after the Kings declined his non-guaranteed deal. Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, and Malik Monk remain on the roster. While LaVine and Sabonis still generate trade buzz, Monk's name has been conspicuously absent from rumors this summer—a stark contrast to last year, when he was linked to the Pistons and Warriors.

If Summer League taught the Kings anything, it's that Monk's skill set is exactly what they need. Defensively, he may not align perfectly with the team's philosophy, but his ball-handling and scoring ability are unmatched on the roster besides Acuff. Both players share a similar style: aggressive drives, creative passing, and shot-making. The Kings could bring Monk off the bench as a sixth man, spelling Acuff and easing the burden on coach Doug Christie to play the rookie 30-plus minutes a night.

Of course, the Kings could still make another move. Point guard options are dwindling—Russell Westbrook appears headed elsewhere—and the trade market may offer alternatives. But after watching Summer League unfold, keeping Malik Monk looks like the most logical choice. His veteran presence and offensive firepower would provide crucial depth for a team searching for its identity under a new front office. As one image from a March 2026 game against Brooklyn shows, Monk's athleticism—like his dunk over E.J. Liddell at Golden 1 Center—remains a weapon. The Kings would be wise to keep it in their arsenal.