Guard Malik Monk has made the decision to stay with the Sacramento Kings by signing a lucrative four-year, $78 million contract, which includes a player option. This move comes after Monk’s impressive performance during the previous season, where he averaged over 15 points and five assists, making him the runner-up for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award. By securing this deal, Monk avoids entering free agency and commits to remaining in Sacramento for the foreseeable future.
Negotiations for Monk’s contract were initiated by his agents, Jeff Schwartz and Marcus Monk of Excel Sports, with Kings general manager Monte McNair and assistant GM Wes Wilcox earlier this week. Once the NBA’s moratorium ends on July 6, Monk is expected to finalize the agreement with the team. The Kings’ decision to retain Monk is seen as a crucial step in solidifying their roster for the upcoming season.
At 26 years old, Monk has experienced a career resurgence since joining the Kings and has become an integral part of the team’s success. His impressive statistics, including leading the league in points and assists off the bench, highlight his value to the Kings. Additionally, Monk’s contributions played a significant role in ending the team’s 16-year playoff drought, as they secured playoff and play-in appearances in consecutive seasons.
Despite facing a knee injury towards the end of the 2023-24 regular season, Monk’s impact on the court was undeniable. He managed to achieve nine games with 25 or more points coming off the bench, a feat not accomplished since Eddie Johnson in the 1986-87 season. Monk’s ability to deliver in crucial moments has made him a fan favorite and a key player for the Kings.
Prior to joining the Kings, Monk was selected as the 11th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2017 NBA draft. After spending four seasons with the Hornets, he signed a free agent deal with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2021 season. However, Monk’s career truly flourished upon joining the Kings, where he emerged as a standout performer and earned recognition for his exceptional skills on the court.
In conclusion, Monk’s decision to sign a long-term contract with the Sacramento Kings signifies his commitment to the team and their shared goals of achieving success in the upcoming seasons. His presence on the roster provides stability and talent, setting the stage for continued growth and competitiveness in the NBA. Fans can look forward to witnessing Monk’s continued success and contributions to the Kings’ journey towards further accomplishments in the league.
