Knicks Rumors: Malik Monk is an under-the-radar name to watch

Free agency has begun for the New York Knicks and one dark horse to watch out for is Malik Monk. As of now, all fans have to go off of are the latest rumors and rumblings.

Transactions that have picked up steam are Evan Fournier to NY, Kyle Lowry to Miami, and Lonzo Ball to Chicago, but really, we still don’t know how the dominoes will fall. Despite being linked to the biggest names all summer, New York has seemed to simmer down as a frequently mentioned organization on the rumor mill.

Maybe it’s just a testament to the organization being tight-lipped, but perhaps it’s a sign that NY wants to be a little more tempered in their approach and focus on more short-term, high-reward free agents. One of which could be unrestricted free agent Malik Monk.

New York Knicks Rumors: Malik Monk could be a great value

The Charlotte Hornets decided to let Malik Monk become an unrestricted free agent and it appears to be very unlikely that he returns.

The 23-year-old Monk could end up on New York’s radar. The Knicks have been linked to Monk in years past.

The former lottery pick may have a little stink attached to his name because, well, he was a former lottery pick who didn’t exactly meet expectations. Still, Monk had a productive year last season in a crowded Hornets backcourt — he averaged just under 12 points per game on 43.4% from the field and 40.1% from 3.

Monk is likely to get the mid-level exception – a deal somewhere in the neighborhood of 8-11 million per year. What Monk brings on offense, and his potential for more room to grow at his young age could be a worthwhile investment.

Monk is pretty easy to slot into the Knicks’ lineup and could slide RJ Barrett over to the small forward position. Monk was in the 98th percentile of corner-3 shooters, something New York relied heavily on in 2020-21.

As with any former Kentucky Wildcat, it’s worth mentioning how assistant coach Kenny Payne, could be used as a connection to bring Malik Monk to New York.

Monk’s young age, affordability, fit on offense, and potential to grow even more as a player could be the exact type of deal the Knicks are looking for.