The Sacramento Kings have secured one of their key players, Malik Monk, on a new four-year deal worth $78 million, with a player option included. The team was eager to re-sign Monk after a strong season where he averaged 15.4 points and 5.1 assists per game. Monk, who was the league’s Sixth Man of the Year runner-up, will be returning to the Kings for the upcoming season.
Monk, who is 26 years old, could have opened negotiations with other teams starting on June 30 when free agency officially began. Despite this, Monk ultimately decided to remain with the Kings, much to the delight of the team. De’Aaron Fox, Monk’s teammate, stated that he had not spoken to Monk about his free-agent decision but that he was happy for him regardless of the outcome. Fox emphasized that their friendship came first, and he supported Monk’s decision to do what was best for his career.
The decision for Monk to re-sign with the Kings was announced by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, detailing the terms of the four-year, $78 million deal with the player option included. Monk’s return to Sacramento is a boost for the team as they aim to improve on their performance from the previous season. He will enter his third season with the Kings and will look to build on his strong showing from the previous year.
Malik Monk began his career with the Charlotte Hornets after being selected as the 11th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. He spent four seasons with the Hornets before joining the Los Angeles Lakers for a season and eventually finding his way to the Kings. Monk’s experience in the league and his continued improvement as a player make him a valuable asset for Sacramento. His presence on the team provides scoring, playmaking, and leadership, contributing to the Kings’ overall success.
Monk’s re-signing with the Kings solidifies their backcourt, with his partnership with De’Aaron Fox expected to continue flourishing in the upcoming season. The team will look to build on their past performances and make a stronger push in the playoffs, aiming to go further than the play-in round. Monk’s abilities as a scorer and facilitator on the court make him a key piece in the Kings’ roster and their ambitions for the future. With Monk’s commitment, the Kings have secured continuity and stability that can help them progress in the competitive Western Conference.