Malik Monk of the Kings expresses his desire to start next season

The Sacramento Kings shocked many when they traded Malik Monk to a new contract in the offseason, but the return of the sixth star player is exactly what the team needs. Monk reportedly received offers of around $100 million as a free agent, but instead took the maximum amount the Kings could offer of $78 million over the next four years.

Paying a talented guard nearly $20 million per year for a bench player is unusual, so there has been much speculation that the Kings will start Monk next season.

In his first appearance with the Sacramento media since agreeing to a new contract, Monk expressed his desire to be in the starting lineup but still wants to do what’s best for the team (via @SeanCunningham / X):

“Of course I want to be in the starting lineup, but I’m going to come here of my own free will and do whatever the team asks of me. But if I feel like I need to be in the starting lineup, maybe I’ll say so, because now I’ve got a little more of a voice and I can say something that will stick. But I’m still here of my own free will and I want to win games. …They know that.”

– Malik Monk

In 156 games for Sacramento, Monk never started a single game. Due to injuries and good performances for the team, Monk always sat on the bench and was the epitome of a sixth man.

Last season, Monk was the best player among all reserves in points (15.4 points per game) and assists (5.1 per game), but failed to earn Sixth Man of the Year honors. Monk was a great performer last season, and after suffering a season-ending injury late in the year, his absence was felt greatly.

Monk is one of the league’s most electrifying players and a walking highlight reel, so it made sense to use him as a reserve. His presence in the reserves has had a major impact on the Kings over the past two seasons, but he has outperformed his role and deserves a spot alongside the starters.

Next season, fans could finally see a starting backcourt with De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk, reminiscent of their time as teammates on the Kentucky Wildcats.

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