This season, Malik Monk has been one of the most dependable players on the Los Angeles Lakers. Since joining the starting lineup in December, he has averaged over 15 points per game, and despite teammates being hurt left and right, he has only missed one game since Christmas.
He very definitely would not have been available to the Lakers for a minimum contract if the rest of the NBA had known he would be this sort of player.
Monk had only three suitors this summer, according to his agent, Jeff Schwartz, who told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin: the Lakers, Knicks, and Mavericks. The Lakers hunted him hard until they were able to land the rising guard.
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They’ve provided him with the kind of solid role he needed in Charlotte. Los Angeles has accounted for 29 of his 30 career starts. Despite playing on a team with several Hall of Famers, he’s averaging career highs in points, minutes, and shot attempts.
Monk has been very successful in Los Angeles
Monk has been such a hit in Los Angeles that both parties are hoping for a long-term relationship. Marcus Malik, Malik’s brother, told McMenamin, “We’re pretty loyal people.” “Once free agency started, the Lakers bombarded him with calls. As a result, we don’t forget about it.”
That is a feeling shared by the Lakers. “Both sides have benefited from the cooperation,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said. “Both for the Lakers in terms of his production and, I believe, for himself in terms of demonstrating what he can accomplish in big situations in big games. He’s someone we’d like to see as a part of our future.”
Of course, basketball is a business, and in the Monk sweepstakes, the Lakers are at a financial disadvantage. As a free agent, they’ll probably only be able to give him roughly $6 million next season. That’s about the wage that the taxpayer mid-level exemption allows.
Aside from their previous association with Monk, the Lakers benefit from his Non-Bird Rights. If Monk re-signs with the Lakers this offseason for any amount, he will be eligible for Early Bird Rights next offseason and Full Bird Rights in 2024 if he becomes a free agent.
The Lakers may pay Monk up to 105 percent of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception with Early Bird Rights in 2023, and if he waits until 2024 to sign a long-term contract, they could sign him for anything up to the maximum.
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