“He didn’t want to leave me,” Domantas Sabonis has hilarious reaction to Malik Monk accepting $78 million contract

After Malik Monk re-signed with the Sacramento Kings to stay put, Domantas Sabonis has welcomed his teammate's decision with humor.

“He didn’t want to leave me,” Domantas Sabonis has hilarious reaction to Malik Monk accepting $78 million contract

Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk

Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis is one of the best centers the modern NBA has seen. He has equally been a dominant force for the franchise over the last two seasons. Recently, he weighed in on his teammate, Malik Monk, accepting to stay put with the Kings for $78 million.

Speaking at his first youth basketball camp, Sabonis was asked by reporters about Monk’s decision to agree to a new contract. The Lithuanian player remarked that he was astounded and never saw it coming. The 28-year-old further hailed his teammate’s decision, while joking about their close relationship with each other. 

I was actually very surprised. I was talking to him a lot during the year, and I thought we really lost him. But I'm happy he stayed. I think it's the best decision for him and for us. I just think he didn't want to leave me. That's the main thing.
Domantas Sabonis told Pro Camps

According to Domantas Sabonis, the fact that the Kings were able to reach an agreement with Monk is great news. He further asserts that losing Malik Monk would have been a blow to the team, as he’s one of their most important players.

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Indeed, the latter has been an integral part of the Sacramento Kings over the past two years. He had a career-best season in 2023-24, averaging over 15 points and five assists before suffering an injury in March.

Monk also led the rest of the NBA in points and assists off the bench last season. The 26-year-old helped bring the Kings back to the playoffs in consecutive seasons, ending a 16-year postseason drought. After briefly entering free agency, he then signed a four-year, $78 million deal in July to stay with the Sacramento Kings.

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Sacramento Kings will be entering next season with star-studded roster

Ahead of the upcoming season, Domantas Sabonis was filled with excitement over the Sacramento Kings’ new-look lineup. The team has enjoyed successful seasons in recent years, especially after securing the services of De’Aaron Fox. Now with the addition of DeMar DeRozan in the roster as well, the future certainly looks bright for the franchise.

Notwithstanding, basketball fans could expect the Kings to make some serious moves next season, given their current squad depth. It’s also the type of team that Sabonis loves to see, and he has expressed his optimism about their chances. The 3-time All-Star opened up this last month. 

We already got (De’Aaron) Fox, we got Malik (Monk) and now we got (DeMar) DeRozan. We can get a bucket anytime. Makes life a lot easier on the court.
Domantas Sabonis said per Cameron Salerno of CBS Sports

As stated by the player, his eagerness to stay in Sacramento stems from their starting lineup and well-rounded bench. Furthermore, they look more like a team that can actually challenge for honors. The way he sees it, this depth has positioned them for a strong season ahead.

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