Pistons writer predicts Detroit will chase Malik Monk in free agency

Jun 6, 2024, 7:32 AM

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: Malik Monk #0 of the Sacramento Kings shoots and scores over ...

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

With the NBA Finals underway, the anticipation in Sacramento is already building for the end of this month when the free agency floodgates will open, sparking a flurry of potential player movements.

Kings guard Malik Monk will enter unrestricted free agency on June 30th, giving him the right to sign with any team–including some that will be able to out-bid Sacramento’s limit of $78 million over four years due to CBA limitations.

Reports are beginning to swirl regarding teams that could set their sights on Monk, with the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs rumored to be in the mix. Another team could enter the fold as it looks to continue its rebuild:

The Detroit Pistons.

According to The Athletic‘s Pistons writer James L. Edwards III, Detroit could prioritize Monk in free agency as the team looks to add three-point shooting and self-created offense next to former first-overall pick Cade Cunningham.

As for other realistic free-agent options, I think Detroit goes heavily after the likes of Malik Monk, Nic Claxton and Gary Harris. Monk feels like someone the Pistons will heavily prioritize due to the team’s need for legitimate 3-point shooting and off-the-dribble shot creation.

The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III – June 5, 2024

This week on Stiles & Watkins with Allen Stiles & Chris Watkins, the guys discussed the report and contemplated if Monk would consider joining a rebuilding situation like the Pistons rather than returning to the Kings or choosing another destination that is already in playoff contention:

Topics Discussed

Pistons writer James Edwards III expects Detroit to pursue Monk in free agency
Detroit is seeking three-point shooting and off-the-dribble shot-creation
Would Monk stunt the growth of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey?
Chris questions why Monk would choose a rebuilding Pistons team over a winning situation
Does Monk move the needle for Detroit?

Listen to Stiles & Watkins from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140. Subscribe to their podcast here.

More on Malik Monk

In his second season with the Kings, Monk posted averages of 15.4 points (career-high), 2.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists (career-high), and 0.6 steals per game on 44 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent from three-point range over 72 games (26.0 minutes per appearance).

Monk’s growth as a playmaker made him a weapon for Sacramento’s offense, as the Kentucky product passed 2002-03 Sixth Man of the Year winner Bobby Jackson (629) for the most assists by a reserve in franchise history.

Among league leaders, Monk led all NBA reserves in the following categories:

Games with 5+ assists: 45
Games with 10+ points and 5+ assists: 34
Games with 15+ points: 38
Games with 20+ points: 25
Points Scored: 1,110
Assists: 370

Monk, who just completed the final year of his two-year, $19.4 million contract with the Kings, will enter free agency on June 30th.

Due to CBA rules, Sacramento will be limited in what it can offer Monk. This means that opposing teams could top the Kings’ max offer of $78 million over four years.

When is the next Sacramento Kings off-season date of interest?

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