Lakers FA Malik Monk, Kings Agree to 2-Year Contract Worth Approximately $20M

The Sacramento Kings and free-agent guard Malik Monk agreed to a two-year deal that approaches a value of $20 million, according to agent Jeff Schwartz (h/t Marc Stein).

The 24-year-old spent last season with the Lakers after signing a one-year contract for the veteran's minimum. He was one of the few bright spots in a miserable season for the team, averaging a career-high 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 39.1 percent from the floor.

While Monk may never reach the star-level heights many hoped for when he left Kentucky, the sweet-shooting guard showed out as a capable fifth starter or sixth man who can light things up on any given night.

He closed the 2021-22 regular season with a career-high, 41-point performance in a win over the Denver Nuggets.

Given the failure of the Lakers front office in acquiring quality role players last offseason, it was little surprise they prioritized Monk among their free agents.

“I love being here, man. I love playing in this atmosphere and of course would love to come back and not do this again," he told reporters in April.

Monk has increased his scoring output in each of his NBA seasons and seen a massive improvement as a three-point shooter the last two years. After shooting no better than 34.2 percent over his first three NBA seasons, he has been over 39 percent each of the last two years.

While defense can still be an issue, Sacramento isn't acquiring the Kentucky product to lock down on the perimeter. He's a microwave scorer off the bench who can stretch the floor and create for himself off the dribble.

So long as he even matches his performance from last season, the Kings will be happy with Monk at the approximately $20 million number.