The real deal from De’Aaron Fox regarding Malik Monk’s prospects with the Kings before free agency

Sacramento Kings’ point guard De’Aaron Fox is expressing his support for teammate Malik Monk amidst uncertainties about Monk’s future with the team as he approaches free agency.

Fox praised Monk’s contributions, stating, “Malik was fantastic for us. I’d definitely want him to stay, but in this business, you can’t predict what will happen. Basketball careers are finite.”

The Kings’ playoff hopes were dashed after a defeat by the New Orleans Pelicans, marking the end of a disappointing season. Despite strong performances earlier, including promising playoff prospects, the Kings faltered towards the end, losing six of their last ten regular-season games.

Kings’ young stars

In Sacramento’s backcourt, there’s a promising cluster of young talent. Fox capped off the season with an impressive scoring average of 26 points per game, showcasing his skills with a standout 35-point performance against the Pelicans. Since joining the team in 2017, the dynamic point guard has maintained a career scoring average of over 21 points per game.

He and Monk have formed a strong partnership on the court. Monk, in his second season with the Kings, contributed an average of 15 points per game this year. Arriving from the L.A. Lakers in 2022, he gradually secured his place in the team’s rotation. Notably, both Fox and Monk honed their craft at the University of Kentucky under the guidance of coach John Calipari.

The future holds uncertainty regarding whether these two players will continue to dominate the court together. The Kings are expected to make strategic moves during the offseason in pursuit of assembling a championship-caliber roster. Over the past few years, the team has struggled to assert itself amidst the Western Conference powerhouses. Notably, their sole division title in the last two decades came in 2023.

Monk’s absence in the Pelicans game was notable, attributed to a lingering knee injury that has troubled him for several weeks. Speculation among Kings fans naturally arises regarding how the season might have unfolded if the shooting guard had remained healthy. Monk achieved a career-high scoring average this season.

Reflecting on Monk’s impact, Fox expressed praise, stating, “He was extremely big for us.” Fox’s sentiments, as reported by Yahoo Sports, underline Monk’s significant contributions, with Fox even advocating for Monk to be considered for the Sixth Man of the Year award. In Fox’s view, Monk’s presence over the past two years has demonstrated his value and the positive impact he brings to the team.

With anticipation, Kings fans eagerly await updates on the status of their shooting guard and how his situation will unfold.