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Malik Monk would like to stay with the Sacramento Kings. The Sacramento Kings would like to retain Malik Monk. Unfortunately, the Kings may have to fend off some suitors who can make Monk larger offers in free agency.

Sacramento is limited to re-signing Monk using his Early Bird rights, as they are expected to be an over-the-cap team this summer. That means the Kings can offer Monk a contract that caps out at nearly $78 million over four seasons.

Given his skills as a shooter, scorer and playmaker, and Monk’s ability to perform at a high level off the bench, the veteran guard is one of the better free agents this summer. Teams that project to have cap space could give Monk an offer that beats what Sacramento can offer.

But Monk said in a perfect world that he’d “definitely” return to the Kings. Monk emphasized that he knows he can always make more money, but he’ll be prioritizing fit this summer. Monk added, “I think it’s going to play out the right way.”