Not finding a taker (sucker?) for Richaun's contract is a loss for Monte since he's obviously not in our plans and is just dead weight at this point. If I had to pick between being 3rd in the West or fighting for the play-in spot while "featuring" Holmes more in the lineup for the first 2/3 of the season though, I'd gladly take the wins.
We have three games remaining before the All-Star break and they're against Dallas, Dallas, and Phoenix so the pressure is on to get these next three wins and go into the break with a lead on our closest competitors (and the tie-breaker over Dallas). I think everyone in the Kings locker-room knows how important these next three games are. I'm not worried yet but if we play poorly against Dallas (who may or may not have Donic back) and Phoenix (who won't have KD yet and now is also missing Mikal Bridges) that'll be gut check time.