Author of a very good season with the Lakers, Malik Monk will be courted this summer, free on the market. The full-back is already attracting interest, with 4 teams hot on his trail. Will he stay with the Lakers? Economically speaking, it is unlikely. A very cruel scenario for the fans.
Struggling for years with the Hornets, and reduced to a small role off the bench, Malik Monk has completely revived in the City of Angels. Regularly above 20 units, the rear brought a lot to the Lakers on this campaign, to the point that all the fans want him to stay.
It must be said that the shooter is one of the few satisfactions of the workforce this season, but a major problem presents itself to him: his contract. Today, and in order to revive, Monk receives a salary of 1.8 million, the minimum. It’s clear that he will get a raise, except that the Angelinos can’t offer him more than 5/6 million.
Inevitable departure from the Lakers
However, and with 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists, Monk can aspire to more on his next emoluments. He also has a major advantage: competition is setting up on the market in order to sign him. Among the teams? The Knicks according to Sean Deveney, who are looking for a shooter.
This raises questions about Evan Fournier, who could have other players in his position for the new season:
A team to watch closely if he leaves the Lakers, which he should logically do: the Knicks. They had an interest in him last year, but that will depend on what happens to Evan Fournier. Do you keep it? Are you moving it? But this team needs talent, a shooter, and Monk is an interesting added value.
No doubt, the Knicks should make a phone call to Monk for this summer, but remains to know his position. However, the Big Apple franchise is not alone in this regard:
The Bulls are here because they need a shooter. They need players who can plant from three points. Cleveland too, because the team is looking to do something in the market this summer, and the franchise wouldn’t say no to a shooter. I would also watch out for Dallas, they need some flexibility up front, and if that happens they will be interested in Monk.
Knowing that Malik Monk can aim for a deal around 10 million over the year, it is obvious that he must leave the Lakers from an economic point of view. It remains to be seen where, because the suitors are already numerous. Not bad news for the shooter, who had a complicated start to his career.
