Kings make big decision on Malik Monk

Mar 26, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

The Sacramento Kings successfully prevented one of the most sought-after free agents from entering the open market.

Combo guard Malik Monk has agreed to a 4-year contract worth $78 million to remain with the Kings, according to a report Thursday from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The deal is said to include a player option in the final year.

ESPN Sources: Free agent G Malik Monk intends to sign a four-year, $78 million deal — including a player option — to return to the Sacramento Kings. Monk had career-bests of 15 points and five assists on his way to the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year runner-up. pic.twitter.com/J8KuOwPl0H

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2024

The $78 million price tag was the most the Kings were allowed to offer Monk in any deal.

The 6’3″ scorer has arguably been the third-best player on the Kings over his first two seasons in Sacramento. Monk finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting this season after averaging 15.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 44.3% shooting from the field.

Monk suffered a sprained MCL in late March that kept him sidelined during the Kings’ two postseason contests. Without Monk, Sacramento was eliminated by the New Orleans Pelicans in their second play-in tournament game.