Los Angeles Lakers guard Malik Monk had a breakout campaign and is entering free agency. Monk is a young guard who has shown he can be a great scorer.
He averaged a career-high in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and field goal percentage. While the Lakers missed the playoffs, Monk showed out. The 24-year-old averaged 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from three.
His great play will bring interest from many teams, including the Lakers trying to re-sign him. He can go to any team and play off of stars as another scoring option. Defenses, especially in the playoffs often keen in on a team's best player. Having shot creators like Monk can take the pressure off of them and force defenses to adjust.
With that said, here are the three best destinations for Malik Monk in 2022 NBA free agency.
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Malik Monk Free Agency Destinations
The New Orleans Pelicans had a promising season under first-year head coach Willie Green. New Orleans was without star Zion Williamson but still made it to the first round and took the Phoenix Suns to six games.
Brandon Ingram took another jump this season, helping lead the Pels to the playoffs. The trade for C.J. McCollum at the deadline helped them exceptionally as he thrived as the lead guard.
New Orleans could be a contender next season but could use some help with another scoring option. Monk would be a great addition whether he's in the starting lineup or off the bench. The Pelicans could be a contender next season, and Malik Monk would be an excellent addition to help them get there.
The Dallas Mavericks made a surprising run to the Western Conference Finals and could be a contender in the West. Dallas made a trade for Houston Rockets center Christian Wood, which will help them improve.
However, their second-best player, Jalen Brunson, is considered likely to head to the New York Knicks. If Brunson leaves, the Mavs will need to shift toward finding another scoring option. Monk could fill that role as a young guard with scoring capabilities alongside superstar Luka Doncic.
Malik Monk has shown improvement in his three-point shot over the last two seasons, which would help him fit well alongside Doncic and the Mavs.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
While Monk will get other offers, perhaps for more money, returning to the Lakers makes the most sense. He had a career year with Los Angeles and seemed willing to return to the Lakeshow.
In an interview with Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Malik Monk said, “They might not be able to pay me as much as I want, but I could be here and be way more comfortable as a Laker than going to any other team and they’re paying me $5 million more. So it’s just me trying to figure out what team would really want me.”
Monk is a great shooter alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. With Russell Westbrook coming back on his player option, Los Angeles needs his shooting and shot-creating once again. While Westbrook struggled, the Lakers could have a bounce-back season.
Monk was a key contributor for LA, and they can offer him the mid-level exception. He is willing to take a pay cut to stay with the Lakers, leaving them with the best chance to sign him.
Malik Monk should get many suitors, and fans around the league should be hoping their teams get the young, dynamic guard.
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