The Kings are reuniting the dynamic 2016-17 Kentucky Wildcats backcourt of Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox.
The Athletic's Shams Charnia reported Thursday, citing sources, that Monk and the Kings have agreed to a two-year, $19 million deal.
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Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report originally reported Wednesday night, citing sources, that there was mutual interest in the Kings signing Monk when free agency began.
Monk, who signed a one-year veteran minimum deal with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, posted a career-best numbers in 2021-22 and got the raise he was seeking.
In 76 games last season, his first with the Lakers, Monk averaged 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Monk lacks defensive presence -- a massive need for the Kings -- but he has greatly improved as a 3-point shooter. Monk drained 3s at a 32.2 percent clip over his first three seasons but jumped to 40.1 percent and 39.1 percent the last two campaigns.
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Even after drafting the efficient Keegan Murray with the No. 4 pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, outside shooting clearly was a need for Sacramento this offseason.
Fox and Monk spent their lone collegiate seasons at Kentucky together, starring in coach John Calipari's backcourt. That season, Kentucky went 32-6 and advanced to the Elite Eight before falling to North Carolina. Monk was Kentucky’s leading scorer with an average of 19.8 points per game and Fox was second on the team with 16.7 points per contest.
That duo undoubtedly will fill up the highlight reels once again if reunited in Sacramento.