Domantas Sabonis was “very surprised” Malik Monk re-signed in Sacramento

Aug 26, 2024, 11:51 AM

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings talks to Mali...

Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings talks to Malik Monk #0 against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on January 12, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sactown Sports writer

During his youth camp in Rocklin, Domantas Sabonis spoke with reporters about his recent offseason workouts with DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Huerter, his surprise when Malik Monk re-signed with the Sacramento Kings, and more.

Going into the offseason, Kings general manager Monte McNair was limited in what he could offer unrestricted free agent Malik Monk. Their offer essentially maxed out at four years, $ 78 million, while teams like Detroit and Orlando loomed with plenty of cap space to poach his talents out of California’s capital.

To many’s surprise, the Sixth Man of the Year runner-up signed that four-year, $ 78-million deal with the Kings before the official start of free agency. Sabonis had been a vocal advocate of retaining the talents of Malik Monk, but he expressed his surprise when hearing the deal was completed in early July.

“I was actually very surprised,” he 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.”

The Lithuanian big man joked, “I just think (Monk) didn’t want to leave me.”

“He’s one of the most important players on our team,” he continued. “Having him, on and off the court, has helped us a lot these last two years.”

An evident chemistry, in pick-and-rolls and dribble-handoffs, developed between Malik Monk and Sabonis throughout their two seasons wearing royal purple together.

They can continue growing that chemistry alongside De’Aaron Fox, Keegan Murray, Kevin Huerter, and new addition six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan.

When is the next Sacramento Kings offseason date of interest?

Now that we know when the Kings will suit up for their season-opener, we can look forward to October 24th, when the Beam Team will face the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Training camps will begin at the end of September, meaning general manager Monte McNair could still make a move or two to round out Sacramento’s roster before players report to Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for your Sacramento Kings news on player signings, trades, game recaps, and more for the upcoming season.