Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis is happy to hear his teammate Malik Monk sticks aroundThe news that Monk signed a four-year, $77.9 million contract extension with the Kings came as a pleasant surprise to the three-time All-Star, who, based on his conversations with Monk throughout 2023-24 about his future in Sacramento, considered him lost.
“I was really surprised [he stayed]”I spoke to him a lot over the year and I thought we really lost him, but I’m glad he stayed and I think it’s the best decision for us.”
Sabonis joked that he was the main reason for Monk to remain before delivering what the six-year pro truly means to the Kings.
“I just think he didn’t want to leave me. That’s the main thing,” Sabonis joked. “No, I’m glad he’s here. He’s one of the most important players on our team, you know. And having him with us on and off the field has helped us a lot the last couple of years.”
Malik Monk averaged a career-high 15.4 points, 5.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game last season.
Domantas Sabonis ‘excited’ to play with DeMar DeRozan
The kings have made a major offseason move that brought in six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan in a three-team sign-and-trade deal between the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls. Sacramento traded Harrison Barnes to the Spurs and Chris Duarte to the Bulls, who received two future second-round picks.
Domantas Sabonis admits he is looking forward to playing alongside DeRozan and revealed he was frustrated before the deal was done.
“Excited, at that time, nothing was falling into the water, so [I was] “I’m a little frustrated,” Sabonis said. “I’m glad he’s here, and then to be able to spend this week with him in L.A., getting to know him better, you know. I’m really excited.”
His first workouts with DeMar opened Sabonis’ eyes to the kind of impact the two will have on the field next season.
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“I think it’s going to be good for us. It’s going to make us think differently on the court, move differently, really understand each other. We’re used to playing one style, but he’s doing something that’s Hall of Fame-worthy that we’re going to have to play with. And it’s going to make it a lot harder for teams to defend us because we can score from anywhere.”
Sabonis just hopes his teammates are as excited as he is.
“He’s a very smart player, he’s been around the league forever and he’s accomplished a lot. I’m looking forward to learning from him and asking him for advice. And I hope everyone else does too and everyone gets better overall.”
The Kings will open their preseason schedule on Oct. 13 against the Portland Trail Blazers.
