Former Kentucky basketball star Malik Monk had a terrific season for the Sacramento Kings. His 15.4 points and 5.1 assists per game were both career bests, and he was a candidate for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award.
After such a terrific year, Monk was rewarded by the Kings. He just signed a new contract which will pay him $78 million over the next four years. This is an increase from around $9 million he made on his previous deal. The new contract includes a player option in the last year.
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Monk starred at Kentucky in the 2016-17 season. He averaged 19.8 points per game and made 40% of his three point attempts. In that one year, he helped lead the Wildcats to the Elite Eight.
In each season as a professional, Monk seems to have gotten better. So expectations are high for him next season. After finishing last season injured, he will be motivated, and now he has $78 million more reasons to be motivated.