‘Four more years’: Mayor wants to honor Malik Monk for re-signing with Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg sounded off on social media after hearing Kings guard Malik Monk had agreed to a new contract that will keep him in Sacramento for years to come.

Steinberg called for “four more years” of Monk and seemingly promised to issue him a key to the city after he reportedly accepted a four-year, $78 million deal to stay with the Kings. Monk, the runner-up for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award, is expected to sign the deal when the league’s moratorium ends July 6.

Steinberg praised Monk for the skills, traits and characteristics that have made him a fan favorite and one of the most electric bench players in the league over the past two seasons.

Monk, 26, has established himself as one of Sacramento’s most dynamic scorers and playmakers. He pairs well with childhood friend and former Kentucky teammate De’Aaron Fox while serving as an outstanding pick-and-roll partner with Domantas Sabonis.

“Four more years of boundless energy, fearlessness, buzzer-beating 3s, fancy footwork in the key, and spectacular pick-and-roll passes to Domas,” Steinberg tweeted.

Monk averaged 13.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 2022-23 to help the Kings end the longest playoff drought in NBA history after 16 consecutive losing seasons. He was even better this season, averaging career highs of 15.4 points and 5.1 assists over 72 games before suffering a sprained MCL. The injury caused Monk to miss the final nine games of the regular season and both of Sacramento’s play-in games.

The Kings gave Monk the biggest contract they could offer using his early Bird rights under the rules of the collective bargaining agreement. Other teams could have offered Monk more money when free agency begins June 30, but he chose to stay in Sacramento.

“Malik Monk signing a 4-year deal with the Kings is a big statement for both the team and our great city,” Steinberg said. “Malik had many choices. He chose Sacramento. Malik knows (what) it means to play for a team and city of incomparable passion and commitment to winning. I can’t wait for the opportunity to present Malik Monk a key to the city!”