De’Aaron Fox says he hasn’t spoke to Malik Monk about free agency

Jun 20, 2024, 11:50 AM

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 18: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings reacts with teammate Malik Monk #0 after a play in the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Golden 1 Center on March 18, 2024 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sactown Sports writer

De’Aaron Fox is hosting a kid’s basketball camp at the Hardwood Palace from June 17th through June 21. On Wednesday, Fox spoke with the media at the camp in Rocklin about a handful of topics, including the looming free agency of Sixth Man of the Year runner-up Malik Monk.

Monk is entering a complicated offseason as an unrestricted free agent. The Sacramento Kings essentially can’t offer him more than a four-year, $78.4-million deal. With rumors flying about other teams that may be interested in his scoring and playmaking talents, Fox was asked about his view on the situation.

“Him being able to be in this situation and obviously having multiple teams that are trying to come after him, I’m definitely happy for him,” De’Aaron Fox said. “Obviously, we want him to stay, but at the end of the day, he has to do what’s best for him.”

Having played collegiate basketball at Kentucky together, their relationship goes beyond the lines. When asked if he had an idea of what Monk might decide, De’Aaron Fox declined.

“I don’t know. I don’t really ask him,” he said. “We’re friends first, and that side is that side. I don’t really ask him about it. I ask where he’s on vacation, where’s fresh, how’s your mom doing, how’s your brother, how’s your nephew. I’m not really asking him anything about free agency.”

With the NBA Draft and free agency growing nearer, expect rumors to continue flying.

When is the next NBA off-season date of interest for De’Aaron Fox?

The NBA Draft is now a two-night event.

Wednesday, June 26th, will act as the first night of the 2024 NBA Draft, where the Sacramento Kings will make their first-round selection (13th). The second round of the draft will be held on Thursday, June 27th, where the Kings will use its 45th overall pick.

Sacramento hasn’t had a first-round pick since 2022, when it selected Iowa product Keegan Murray with the fourth overall pick.

Stay locked into Sactown Sports for all of your Kings draft coverage, including player profiles, reports regarding pre-draft workouts, draft night coverage, and much more.

NBA Offseason Schedule