Domantas Sabonis and NBA followers alike had been positive that Malik Monk was going to be on a distinct crew in 2024-25, however he’s coming again for the Kings.
From conversations he had with Monk throughout the season, Sabonis was positive that the guard was leaving.
“I used to be really very shocked,” Sabonis stated, through Brenden Nunes). “I used to be speaking to him lots throughout the yr and I believed we actually misplaced him, however I’m blissful he stayed. I feel it’s the perfect determination for him and for us.”
Monk is indisputably some of the necessary gamers for the Kings’ future success. He signed a four-year, $78 million contract with Sacramento in July.
Sabonis was requested concerning the paycut Monk took to stick with the crew and he joked that Monk stayed so he may maintain being teammates with the middle.
“I simply assume he didn’t wish to depart me, that’s the primary factor,” Sabonis stated. “I’m blissful he’s right here. He’s some of the necessary gamers on our crew. Having him on and off the courtroom with us has helped us lots these final three years.”
Monk completed second in NBA Sixth Man of the Yr Award voting final season, after averaging 15.4 factors, 5.1 assists and a pair of.9 rebounds in 26 minutes per sport.
One offseason transfer the Kings did make was signing six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan in a three-team sign-and-trade cope with the Spurs and Bulls.
Sabonis spoke about how excited he’s to have DeRozan as a brand new teammate and admitted he was getting a little bit fed up by the crew’s lack of motion over the summer time earlier than then.
“Excited, at that time, nothing was falling by way of, so [I was] getting a bit annoyed,” Sabonis stated. “Blissful he’s right here, after which, attending to spend that week with him in L.A., attending to know him extra, you realize. I’m actually excited.”
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