The Sacramento Kings have seen their 2023-24 NBA season fall apart in recent weeks. After looking like a lock to make the postseason, they find themselves in a three-way tie with the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors for the final three spots in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Whoever finishes highest out of that bunch will head on the road to face the No. 7 seed in the first set of games. The Nos. 9 and 10 seeds will then face off in a single elimination, with the loser’s season being over.
This certainly isn’t a spot the Kings thought they would find themselves in a few weeks ago. They were fighting for a top-four seed in the Western Conference but now could miss the postseason altogether.
A big reason for that has been the absence of Malik Monk. If it wasn’t evident already how important he was to the team, the last few weeks without him have cemented that. Monk is arguably the best backup guard in the NBA and is the runaway favorite to win the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Dealing with an MCL injury, Monk’s season is likely over unless the Kings can make a deep run in the NBA Playoffs. The Kings have gone 3-5 without Monk this season, losing four out of their last five games and falling in the standings.
Not having him for this stretch has been brutal; imagine how tough it would be not having him on the team at all? Monk is set to hit free agency this summer and cash in after his successful run. Will Sacramento be able to keep him?
They certainly hope so, and the feeling seems to be mutual. While speaking to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Monk revealed that he would love to stick with the Kings if it is possible this upcoming NBA offseason.
“I’m comfortable in Sacramento.” Monk continues, “I’d love to play here again, for sure. I’ve been here for two years and made friends with everyone, including the training staff and front office. I’d love to be back here.”
At the end of the day, the NBA is a business. Monk is going to do what is best for him, just as the Kings always operate in doing the same. He is deserving of a big contract and if another team offers him that, he could be on his way out of town. But, if the money is even or close to it, it sounds like re-signing is what both sides would prefer.
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