Malik Monk was already having the best season of his career, but under Doug Christie, his play has really taken off.

It was the fist bump and pat on the back that will re-ignite one of the NBA’s most persistent trade rumors. Just before the Washington Wizards and the Sacramento Kings tipped off their game here

Kings star De'Aaron Fox is having another incredible season, averaging 25.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. The 27-year-old point guard has been the heart of Sacramento's offense for much of the season and could be on his way to his second All-Star appearance.

The Sacramento Kings were in a much different position a month ago. Now, they are trying to capitalize on their recent hot stretch with a long-awaited trade.

"DeMar DeRozan has moved ahead of Allen Iverson for 29th place in NBA history on the all-time scoring list," Jason Ross shared on X. With DeRozan getting comfortable in the system and the Kings finding their form, they are 22-20 on the season and now sit at No. 8 in the tight Western Conference.

The Kings are expected to be active on the trade market. Brooklyn Nets wing Cameron Johnson has emerged as their primary target, although other teams, like the Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, and Oklahoma City Thunder are all expected to be in the running for him.

Tracing Doug Christie’s path from Seattle high school star to Pepperdine, the NBA, TV, radio and interim coach of the Sacramento Kings.

The Jazz and Kings have conducted exploratory trade talks centered on John Collins. Sacramento can make salaries work while avoiding the tax by including Kevin Huerter and Trey Lyles. Collins is averaging 17.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 43.8% on threes. pic.twitter.com/1o9HpiRolO

Evan Sidery, who covers the NBA for Forbes, reported Thursday the Kings and Utah Jazz have had exploratory conversations centered on Jazz forward John Collins. A deal for Collins would likely include Kings guard Kevin Huerter and forward Trey Lyles.

The Washington Wizards (6-34) and Sacramento Kings (21-20) meet at Golden 1 Center Sunday. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NBA odds around the W

Find out where to watch the upcoming Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors game with TV channels and streaming options.

The Sacramento Kings have pulled off a remarkable stretch following the dismissal of former head coach Mike Brown on Dec. 27, as the team has come away the winner in eight of their last 10 contests.