The Sacramento Kings are set to secure the future of Malik Monk by signing a new deal. The former Lakers guard agreed to a 4-year contract that will earn him $78 million.
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Thursday that his agents and the Kings GM Monte McNair opened talks on Tuesday to keep the Sixth Man of The Year runners-up in California.
Monk’s signing is one of the major decisions the Kings had to make this summer to build on the progress made this season. Despite falling short of the playoffs, the Sacramento side showed resilience throughout the season and proved to be a competent outfit.
Monk averaged a career-high 15.4 points per game and 5.1 assists per game this season in 72 outings. His teammate De’Aaron Fox commented on Monk’s contract situation prior to the signing news and said, “Obviously, we want him to stay, but at the end of the day, he has to do what’s best for him.” An extended stay in Sacramento suits Monk the best, and now we know his decision.
Malik Monk’s Impact on Kings
Since signing with the Kings in 2022 from the Lakers, Monk has been a pivotal piece in the Sacramento set up. He linked up with his former college teammate, De’Aaron Fox, and the pair have been key to whatever good the Kings do.
Monk’s presence off the bench not only helps the Kings to close out a game but also gives them a capable ball-winner. In 2022, the Kings made it to the playoffs, their first in 16 years, before exiting against the Warriors in the first round. But Monk’s importance in the team was evident this season when an injury ruled him out of the play-in game against the Pelicans.
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Monk led in points and assists coming off the bench last season and was odds on favorite to win the Sixth Man of The Year award before his injury. He also has 9 25+ point hauls coming off the bench, the most since Eddie Johnson in 1986-87.
With him and De’Aaron, the Kings have a well-connected backcourt with Domantas Sabonis in the front. In the upcoming NBA Draft, the Kings can look for forward options to further bolster the roster.
Also Read: Malik Monk Shows Off $35,000 Audemars Piguet Timepiece Gifted by Former Lakers Teammate Trevor Ariza
