Malik Monk's future could influence who Sacramento Kings pick in 2024 NBA Draft: Insider
By Matt John
The Sacramento Kings landed the No. 13 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. There will be plenty of options to choose from when the Kings are on the clock, including whether or not to pick a player or trade it for more help.
According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, Malik Monk's upcoming free agency may factor into the Kings' decision regarding their pick.
"With Malik Monk set to enter unrestricted free agency and potentially price himself out of Sacramento, the Kings could look at several guards here, including Duke’s sharpshooter Jared McCain and Providence’s stout defender and emerging offensive threat Devin Carter."
The Kings could pay Monk the money he wants to aid in their playoff run. However, finding a player who could develop into the player Monk has become at a discounted price via the draft might be the more economical option.
Monk's development has come along quite nicely in Sacramento. So much so that they may be in danger of losing him to a rising Eastern Conference team with the money to offer him like Orlando.
The Kings have one distinct advantage with Malik Monk's free agency
Monk is a flight risk this offseason, but the Kings have one advantage over any potential competitor. They will have early Bird Rights on Monk when the offseason begins. Bleacher Report's Dan Favale noted that they can offer him a four-year contract worth up to $78 million.
Knowing NBA teams' penchant for discussing contracts with free agents before free agency even begins, it wouldn't be too shocking if the Kings have already discussed Monk's next contract with him to some degree—or at least plan to do so before they're officially allowed to.
As Scotto reported, the Kings' decision on draft night could very much reflect on Monk's long-term status with the team. If they draft a player whose skillset and build is reminiscent of Monk's, that would cast plenty of doubt on him staying, though it wouldn't necessarily be ruled out overall.
If they draft a player who doesn't possess any of Monk's abilities, that may indicate their confidence that Monk will be around for the long haul. Losing Monk would not necessarily be an easy pill to swallow, but it would not be a death blow.
Sacramento still came within inches of returning to the playoffs and the chances of them getting back in there are solid. Monk has played a hand in their success during these last two seasons, but, as long as they play their cards right, the Kings should feel confidence going forward whether the Sixth Man of the Year candidate is there or not.