Kings’ Malik Monk Among Top Pending NBA Free Agents ‘Due for Pay Raise'

One of the biggest bright spots of the Sacramento Kings, and one of the most substantial factors of their success, comes from seven-year NBA vet Malik Monk. After spending some time earlier in his career with the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers, he’s finally found a lasting and impactful role for the past year plus for Sacramento.

With the 2023-24 season marking the last of his two-year, $20M contract he signed an offseason ago, Monk will have the chance to get a nice raise in salary next summer. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto detailed a bit of the situation for the former Kentucky Wildcat, valuing his next contract to some other similar offensive guards around the league:

"Monk’s bet on himself playing on a minimum salary with the Lakers two years ago paid off with a two-year, $20 million deal with the Kings. He’s outplayed the value of that deal as one of the best bench scorers who often closes for the Kings. Also helping his case was his elevated performance in his debut playoff series against the Warriors. He can’t extend his current contract, but the Kings will be allowed to re-sign him this offseason for up to four years, $78 million with his Early Bird rights. That would make his annual salary comparable to other bench scorers like Gary Trent Jr. and Jordan Clarkson."

So far through his second year with Sacramento, Monk has averaged 13.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in an early 17 games off the bench. With the rate of bench scoring and shooting being valued around the league, Malik can find his way to a sizeable contract if his play remains consistent going into the offseason.

The Kings should have the means to resign him if they resist any other moves to bring in more talent and heavier contracts. However, if they opt to add a third star to their current core of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis (potentially a Zach LaVine), it makes the future of Monk a bit foggier.

Signs point to the Kings staying committed to familiarity and positive team chemistry, so the odds of Monk returning at this point seem high. However, much time remains between now and negotiations, meaning many options remain on the table.