Last summer, Malik Monk took something of a pay cut to join the Los Angeles Lakers on a one year veteran’s minimum contract worth nearly $1.8 million.
Monk had a brilliant season for L.A., and he gradually improved his production as the year went on.
Overall, he averaged 13.8 points in 28.1 minutes per game while shooting 47.3 percent overall from the field and 39.1 percent from 3-point range.
At times, he was the Lakers’ only consistent offensive threat other than LeBron James.
But his success created a problem, as it raised his value on the open market this summer, presumably above the taxpayer mid-level exception the Lakers could offer.
But Monk has now implied that he may accept a slightly lower offer in order to remain in the Purple and Gold.
Malik Monk is open to accepting less money to return to the Lakers, he told @jovanbuha in an exclusive interview.
"They might not be able to pay me as much as I want, but I could be here and be way more comfortable as a Laker."https://t.co/0U8QkJrgfD
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) June 27, 2022
The taxpayer mid-level exception will be worth anywhere from $6 million to $7 million, and many pundits have felt it won’t be enough to get him to agree to a new contract with L.A.
Monk may be a mediocre defender, but as an instant offense man off the bench, he would continue to give the team a huge lift next season.
In addition to his strong 3-point shooting, he is adept at attacking the rim, and he is a strong finisher at the rim, especially in transition.
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