Should Knicks target Lakers’ unrestricted free agent Malik Monk in offseason?
At least the New York Knicks have the advantage of getting ahead by thinking about their offseason moves since they didn’t make the playoffs, right? Hopefully, the front office is keeping tabs on Los Angeles Lakers’ Malik Monk.
The Lakers made a flurry of offseason moves last year and the only two positives were the additions of Monk and Carmelo Anthony. One could be a future Knick and the other will always be a beloved Knick.
Monk didn’t receive attention from any other team last summer than the Lakers, and while he’s expressed that he’d like to remain in Southern California, Los Angeles is unable to pay him what he’s worth.
Per Heavy’s Sean Deveney, the 24-year-old’s expected to sign a three-year, $32 million contract or a four-year, $45 million deal.
If only the Lakers could pay a younger player that amount of money instead of investing their “future” in veterans. Oh well, that leaves room for New York to swipe in and make an offer.
Is it possible for the New York Knicks to sign Malik Monk in free agency?
To be fair, the Knicks’ last offseason wasn’t the most promising, either. New York signed Julius Randle to a four-year extension, signed Evan Fournier to a four-year, $78 million deal, and brought Kemba Walker back to New York City for a homecoming that turned into a bust.
Oh, and the Knicks also re-signed Nerlens Noel to a three-year, $32 million deal and he played in a total of 25 games this past year. The right thing for New York to do would be to move around a few players to open up some space for younger talent (ie: Monk).
However, nothing can outdo the fact that Los Angeles traded for Russell Westbrook, and his first season playing in front of his hometown was somehow worse than Walker’s. The guard has a $47.1 million player option for next season and the chances of him making more money than that with another team are quite low.
In the effort of trying to put together a championship team, the Lakers are at risk of losing one of their future key pieces.
This past year, Monk averaged 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 76 games (37 starts). He shot 47.3% from the field and 39.1% from the 3-point line.
Malik Monk is 24, and established his scoring, with efficiency (47.3% FG’s, 39.1% 3’s), from all three levels.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 11, 2022
Asked if he wants to focus on any particular areas - defense, on-ball decision making, etc. - this offseason, he said he’s still wanting to work on “everything.”
Ironically enough, Monk was the No. 11 overall pick in the 2017 draft and he was chosen to help ease some of the pressure off Walker on the offensive end for the Hornets. He started in one game throughout his four seasons in Charlotte. His inconsistencies and lack of defense are what led him to Los Angeles.
It’s clear that Monk found his footing with the Lakers and he’s capable of taking his game to the next level, whether that be in purple and gold or not. His age fits the direction that the Knicks are headed in with their young core.
Sure, his defense still needs work, but that’s Tom Thibodeau’s specialty. If the coach is going to hang around for at least another season, he might as well get to work on Monk.
