It looks to be a big summer ahead for Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk. After putting together one of the most impressive campaigns as a reserve the NBA has seen this season, the former Kentucky Wildcat will hit unrestricted free agency this July and effectively be given the chance to get some cash thrown his way from opposing teams looking to add his services.
While we still have 20 games to go for this regular season and a whole postseason to go, some around the league have already begun to look ahead for what a potentially active offseason could hold for a few different players and franchises.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report labeled Monk as one of the top five most intriguing free agent options to watch during this summer's free agency period:
Malik Monk isn't just one of this offseason's most interesting free agents. He's been one of the 2023-24 campaign's most interesting guards overall. After spending his entire career as a shoot-first 2-guard (or maybe, as a combo guard), Monk is averaging almost as many points generated by his assists (13.3) as he is points (15.4). He's fully morphed into a lead playmaker for the minutes when the Sacramento Kings are without De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. But he can still shift seamlessly back to a catch-and-shoot threat when needed. That offensive versatility should make him one of this summer's most in-demand free agents.
Monk is putting together a career season in Sacramento this year, leading the latest odds to win Sixth Man of the Year, averaging 15.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists on 44.9/37.2/80.5 splits. He's been a vital part of the Kings' second unit and overall offensive production. Heading into this summer, retaining him on the roster should be a priority for this front office.
According to previous reports, Monk could look to "chase money" during his upcoming free agency, which could ultimately make it more difficult to keep him in purple. While the Kings' cap projects them to have the ability to offer him a deal of around $72 million for four years, any opposing team offering more could be an appealing option for the seven-year guard.
As we get closer to the opening of this offseason's free agency, continue to keep a keen eye on what happens between Monk and Sacramento.
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