NBA Free Agency: Kings bring back beloved backcourt scorer

After a career season, free agent guard Malik Monk “plans to sign a four-year, $78 million contract” to return to the Sacramento Kings, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Monk began negotiating a new deal with the Kings after the conclusion of the 2024 NBA Finals, Wojnarowski added. The contract includes a player option that could see him hit free agency again in 2027.

ESPN sources: Free agent G Malik Monk plans to sign a four-year, $78 million contract – including a player option – to return to the Sacramento Kings. Monk had a career-high 15 points and five assists on his way to finishing second in the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year. pic.twitter.com/J8KuOwPl0H

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2024

In 2023-2024, Monk averaged career-highs of 15.4 points and 5.1 assists per game on a true shooting percentage of .564. For the second season in a row, he was named a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year. In fact, he was runner-up for the award, many believing him to be the favorite before a knee injury cut his season short.

Kings bring back beloved scorer to the backcourt

A savvy and resilient shot creator who is still developing as a facilitator, the Kings are a stronger team with Monk in the fold. It doesn’t hurt that he shares a friendship with franchise point guard De’Aaron Fox. Teammates with Fox at Blue Blood Kentucky, their chemistry shows on and off the field.

Due to Monk’s defensive limitations, it’s unlikely he and Fox will ever start together in the backcourt. Nevertheless, the only players Fox has lined up next to over the past two seasons are more than Monk Are the starters. In 2023-24, Fox played more minutes alongside Fox (1,099) than starting shooting guard Kevin Huerter (1,069).

That said, if Monk wants to be promoted to the starting lineup, he has a fighting chance. The Kings are rumored to be offering Huerter and Harrison Barnes in trades. Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma and Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine have become their top targets.

If Sacramento lands LaVine, he will obviously be alongside the starters. However, if they land Kuzma, it could open the door for Monk.

Once again, there are defensive concerns with him and Fox in the backcourt, partly due to Monk’s lack of size. But because teams like the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers also start with small backcourts, they aren’t necessarily going against the grain. The duo will be streaky, with both players shooting under 36 percent from 3 in three of the past five seasons. But at their best, they can do a lot of damage beyond the arc.