Raptors should give Malik Monk blank check after cryptic IG post

The Toronto Raptors somehow managed to win 48 games last year despite one of the league’s worst benches and a general lack of shooting across the entire roster. If the Raptors are going to spend a ton of money in free agency, Malik Monk needs to be at or near the top of their hypothetical list.

After spending four years as a backup with the Hornets, Monk left Charlotte and took a minimum deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. While he tried to latch on with a championship contender, Monk was only a role player on a team who crashed out of the playoff picture.

Monk shouldn’t be so generous and willing to accept a cheaper deal. At his age, he needs to cash in and secure that generational wealth. Based on Monk’s social media activity, it seems like he will go wherever offers him the most money upfront.

Monk posted the lyrics to Gunna’s “Money Don’t Change You” after taking the minimum with the Lakers to chase a championship. With Monk still ringless at age 24, he wants to use his standout season in Los Angeles to earn his first big multi-year NBA contract.

Malik Monk would be perfect for the Toronto Raptors.

Monk averaged a career-best 13.8 points per game while making 47% of his shots and 39% of his 3-point attempts. His scoring has improved in each of his five seasons in the pros, which should give Toronto even more optimism about his fit on the bench north of the border.

Monk is more than just a shooter, as he has routinely rocked the rim with some impressive dunks. Monk started to come into his own as a more refined and effective multi-level scorer with the Lakers. Still incredibly young and willing to be developed in his sixth season, Monk would be a massive upgrade over Svi Mykhailiuk.

Monk might not be a good defender, but Gary Trent Jr. had those same concerns when he arrived in Toronto. It took Nick Nurse half of one season to turn him into someone who can generate turnovers. If Monk could take a similar step forward, Toronto’s bench issues would be permanently cleared up.

Monk has proven himself as a quality bench scorer who was one of the few Lakers that took a step in the right direction. In Toronto, Monk could get the financial terms he wants and the opportunity he is deserving of while setting himself up for a Sixth Man of the Year campaign.