While this past Los Angeles Lakers season was a massive disappointment, Malik Monk proved to be a bright spot on a regular basis. Following a subpar start to his career, Monk elected to take a prove-it deal and sign a veteran's minimum with Los Angeles. The Lakers intended on bringing the 24-year-old back, but he decided to test the market even after saying he would take less to stay put. While Los Angeles had a taxpayer mid-level exception worth over $6 million in 2022-23 to offer, Monk jumped ship for the two-year, $19 million deal put on the table by the Sacramento Kings.

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Grading Malik Monk's Kings Deal In 2022 NBA Free Agency

Grade for Kings: A-

The Kings have clearly shifted their focus to winning now. The franchise has not cracked the postseason in 16 seasons, which is the longest drought in the NBA. The Kings attempted to speed up the rebuilding process by trading Tyrese Haliburton for Domantas Sabonis last season. Their core of Sabonis, De’Aaron Fox, and Davion Mitchell is solid but needed some scoring firepower. This is exactly what they will be getting with Malik Monk. The Fox-Monk backcourt will once again be reunited after spending their lone year at Kentucky together.

While this is improved pay based on Monk’s previous contract, the Kings did not have to break the bank to bring him in. Paying under $10 million per year for a player of Monk’s caliber is a solid value by NBA standards. The Kentucky product averaged 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in his 28.1 minutes per game of play last season. He also shot 39.1% on 3-pointers while launching 5.9 per game.

It is somewhat of a surprise there was not a bigger market for Monk. The former 11th overall pick did an excellent job reestablishing his value last season. It has been a rough transition into the NBA, but there is still plenty of time for him to rewrite his narrative. Sacramento provides him with a clean slate to do this and continue growing as a player. Expect Monk to play a crucial role with the Kings next season and provide the scoring punch the team desires.

Grade for Malik Monk: C-

While the intention of taking the veteran’s minimum with the Lakers was to rebuild his value, it is unlikely a $19 million deal with the Kings was what Malik Monk desired. Monk was extremely valuable to the Lakers last season and filled the role they needed. He appeared happy and the team was hoping to bring him back. As he approaches the prime of his career, it is no surprise that Monk made money more of the priority.

The criticism of this is that he hit a middle ground where he did not accomplish either goal. Monk is still a greater talent than a contract of below $10 million would indicate. This likely is another leverage play where he will hope to find a more lucrative deal following his two seasons in Sacramento. While the patience is admirable, attempting to do this while taking the leap to the Kings is a risk.

Los Angeles had proven to be a solid location for the former Charlotte Hornet. It is a risk for the 24-year-old as he starts a new chapter in his NBA storybook. Malik Monk is still an incredibly talented basketball player with a lot to prove. There is a role for him in Sacramento, and it will be to him to step up to the plate and perform. The hope from his perspective will be to perform well and secure his higher-priced deal moving forward.