NBA Sixth Man of the Year runner-up signs big extension with Kings

The former first-round pick is betting on himself by taking a relatively team-friendly deal. Monk did so rather than fully investigating his value on the free-agent market. 

It might not sound like a huge sacrifice on the surface, but Monk is likely missing out on a few bills to re-up with the Kings. Especially considering he's coming off a career year while finishing second to Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid for the Sixth Man of the Year award. 

The signing shouldn't come as a total surprise, though. In April, Monk said he was comfortable in Sacramento and would "love to be back."  

Meanwhile, the move should appease his fellow teammates. Before the postseason, All-Star center Domantas Sabonis barked, "We better keep him," when asked about Monk's future with the franchise. 

Indeed, keeping Monk around makes too much sense for the Kings, who are clearly trying to build a contender. On June 1, Sacramento signed a contract extension with head coach Mike Brown, another point of continuity.

Monk has emerged as a difference-maker off the bench since signing a deal to join the Kings ahead of the 2022-2023 campaign. He truly broke out this season, establishing an essential role and having his best year in the NBA before an MCL injury suffered in March ended his campaign prematurely. 

Without Monk, Sacramento went 5-6. Following a 46-36 finish, the Kings failed to make it out of the play-in tournament. 

Now a member of the Kings for the foreseeable future, Monk will have a chance to handle unfinished business.