Many were surprised when the Sacramento Kings re-signed dynamic sixth man Malik Monk this offseason despite reportedly facing stiff competition for his services. That includes Kings star center Domantas Sabonis, who recently provided a comical explanation for his teammate’s decision to remain with Sacramento.
Monk enjoyed a career year in his second season with the Kings, averaging personal bests of 15.4 points and 5.1 assists per game, shooting 44.3% over 72 contests. His standout production resulted in him finishing second in this year’s Sixth Man of the Year voting, receiving 43 of 99 first-place votes (342 points).
Monk was narrowly edged out by Minnesota Timberwolves reserve center Naz Reid, who garnered 45 first-place votes (352 points). Nevertheless, many projected the former to receive a substantial pay raise in free agency from the two-year, $19.4 million deal he signed in 2022.
Given Sacramento’s salary cap restraints, Malik Monk was widely expected to leave in favor of an organization that could offer him more money. Instead, he and the Kings agreed to a four-year, $78 million contract before the start of free agency, with the deal becoming official last month.
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During Sabonis’ youth basketball camp in Rocklin, California on Sunday, the three-time All-Star touched on how pleasantly surprised he was when his squad re-signed Monk.
“I was actually very surprised,” Sabonis said. “I was talking to him a lot during the year and I thought we really lost him, but I’m happy he stayed. I think it’s the best decision for him and for us.”
Afterward, Sabonis jokingly took credit for Monk’s decision before reiterating his teammate’s importance to Sacramento’s success.
“I just think he didn’t want to leave me, that’s the main thing,” Sabonis said. “I’m happy he’s here. He’s one of the most important players on our team. Having him on and off the court with us has helped us a lot these last three years.”
Malik Monk on taking pay cut to remain with Sacramento
Shortly after his new deal with Sacramento became official, Malik Monk broke down his unexpected free agency decision.
Monk noted that despite receiving a more lucrative offer elsewhere, he took less money to stay with the Kings, as he’s grown “comfortable” with the franchise.
“I go everywhere and feel comfortable, and that’s a home I feel like. So, I’m back,” Monk said. “They did everything they were supposed to do. I didn’t feel like it was aggressive or anything like that. I just feel like that was their job, and they made sure that I was one of the main focuses.”
Malik Monk will look to help Sacramento return to the playoffs next season. The Kings narrowly missed this year’s postseason, finishing ninth in the Western Conference despite their winning record (46-36).
