Kings guard Malik Monk isn’t fretting over the fact that he’s in his walk year, he told Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee. Monk is the only Sacramento rotation player in the final year of his contract.
“I really don’t worry about that. Because I know if I just go out there and perform how I perform, and do the things I’ve been doing, it’ll work out for me,” Monk said.
Monk, who is averaging 13.2 points and 5.0 assists, is making $9.9MM this season. He’s in line for a substantial raise and that could cause issues for the Kings, Biderman notes. They are expected to be approximately $20MM below the luxury tax next summer and will have to weigh whether to approach or surpass that figure in order to re-sign Monk.
We have more from the Pacific Division:
- Keegan Murray was able to go through a full practice on Monday, according to Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee (Twitter link), but the second-year forward remained sidelined for Tuesday’s game against Golden State, KTXL’s Sean Cunningham tweets. He’s been nagged by irritation to the sacroiliac joint in his lower back.
- Expect the Lakers to express interest in the Bulls’ Zach LaVine, Shams Charania said on FanDuel TV (Twitter link). However, Charania believes the Lakers will take a “patient” approach and wouldn’t be able to swing that type of deal until some of the free agents they signed over the summer become trade-eligible. Charania believes the Bulls would demand the Lakers’ top young guard. “The Bulls, I’m sure, would covet Austin Reaves in any potential Zach LaVine trade,” he said.
- With Chris Paul gone, Suns star Devin Booker has taken on the dual roles of being a top scorer and primary play-maker. He’s thriving with the added responsibility, Gerald Bourguet of GoPhnx.com notes. Booker is averaging 29.4 points, 8.9 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game and is scoring efficiently. “He came in scoring 70 against the Celtics pretty early in his career, so yeah, I don’t wanna say he’s just grown and grown as a scorer,” coach Frank Vogel said. “He’s always kind of had that killer instinct, but I think leadership, seeing all the different coverages that you see as an elite player over the years, it just gets you sharper with how to attack them.”
Lavine for reaves, Russell, Vincent, and a first seems imminent
You’re high. No team would trade their entire frontcourt at once, and LaVine is worth Vincent and a pick at best.
Lavine makes $40mil so to have the money match up it actually would take something like that. Reaves is $17mill, Russell $15mill, Gabe $10mill
They could maybe use Prince $7mill and some previous trade exceptions.
They would also have to involve a third team or take back some low salaries as the Bulls only have one open roster slot.
Bulls could easily waive some of their minimum guys. But the Lakers aren’t making that trade. Making LeBron the only PG on the roster is a terrible decision at his age. Pelinka isn’t that dumb.
Front court? Who is the high one exactly?
Lol
Vincent and a pick lmao. Bulls aren’t trading lavine to lakers unless they get reaves. So demar and/or Caruso are more likely for Lakers
Monk certainly is going to get paid. Huge game winner over the Golden State Chokiers.
I love how all the haters can’t wait to put down dubs. but…I do understand how other teams are so very tired of seeing dubs in the finals, and all that hardware has to be frustrating. I remember it was the same deal with new England patriots not long ago. I was tired of seeing THEIR dynasty as well……so, I get it. im sure there’s NO WAY dubs can redeem themselves with 3/4 of the season left! oh no! they’re cooked!