Report: Malik Monk may leave Kings despite desire to stay

The Sacramento Kings are gearing up for what is expected to be an eventful 2024 offseason following their elimination from playoff contention by the New Orleans Pelicans in the Play-In Tournament. This early exit has set the stage for potential changes within the team. Among the players at the center of offseason talks is Malik Monk, who has expressed a desire to remain with the Kings, a sentiment that the team reciprocates. However, keeping Monk in Sacramento might prove challenging due to interest from other teams prepared to offer him more lucrative deals in free agency.

The Kings are somewhat restricted financially as they are anticipated to be over the salary cap this summer. They can only re-sign Monk using his Early Bird rights, which allows them to offer him a maximum of about $78 million over four years. Despite these limitations, Monk's performance as the Kings' star sixth man, which included averaging career highs of 15.4 points and 5.1 assists per game and becoming a finalist for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, makes him a valuable asset.

Monk joined the Kings on a two-year, $19.4 million contract in the 2022 offseason. As he prepares to enter free agency in 2024, it is anticipated that he will command a significantly higher salary, which might be more than the Kings can match. Teams like the Detroit Pistons, who are looking to rebuild around young talents like Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, might see Monk as a desirable addition and could offer him a substantial contract. Detroit's desperate need for established talent and their financial flexibility might lead them to make Monk an offer he can't refuse.

As Monk weighs his options, the possibility of joining a contender or opting for a more financially rewarding offer will play a significant role in his decision. His situation underscores the competitive nature of NBA free agency, where talent and opportunity often dictate movement across the league.


Source Sports Illustrated: Pistons Expected to Target Malik Monk in Free Agency
Source RealGM: Malik Monk Would Like To Stay With Kings