The Sacramento Kings entered the offseason hopeful of trading either Zach LaVine or Domantas Sabonis to shed payroll and focus on building around their youth next season. While Sabonis has some trade interest around the league, there is one issue that continues to complicate moving him.
In a recent live stream for Bleacher Report, NBA insider Jake Fischer said the Kings’ front office still has a “steep” asking price in Sabonis trade talks and how there’s a “disconnect” between how they value him versus how other NBA teams do.
“Right now, there’s going to be continued disconnect between the Kings wanting to get back positive value and draft compensation for Sabonis compared to other teams not so eager to give Sabonis the contract extension he’s looking for. “I’m skeptical of this juncture how much market there were for Sabonis at the Kings’ current asking price. I don’t think Charlotte is really motivated to meet that Kings’ asking price.”
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Domantas Sabonis contract (Spotrac): $45.472 million salary for 2026-27 season, $48.608 million salary for 2027-28 season
While Sabonis is a three-time All-Star selection and made the All-NBA Third Team in consecutive seasons from 2023-24, he comes with limitations. NBA teams view him as more of a third option on the court for playoff contenders and he’s a liability defensively.
With the NBA’s second apron already significantly limiting how general managers build their rosters, managing cap space effectively has become more imperative. Sabonis might have slightly more value if he was on an expiring contract, but any acquiring team would be on the hook for a $48.6 million salary beginning in the 2027-28 season and Sabonis might want a contract extension.
Meanwhile, Sacramento sees a player who has led the NBA in rebounding in three consecutive seasons and who can be a perennial All-Star reserve thanks to his scoring and work on the glass. Furthermore, at a time when new NBA rules penalize teams who finish at the bottom of the standings with lower draft lottery odds, Sabonis gives the Kings a better shot at winning more games so they get higher odds of getting the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft.
Realistically, the Kings will keep Sabonis through January with the expectation that the All-Star center is the ideal complementary player to support rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr as he settles into his NBA career.
Related: Kings’ Darius Acuff Jr. Draws NBA Comparison to Future Hall of Famer
By the time the NBA trade deadline rolls around on Feb. 11, 2027, there could be a few more suitors for Sabonis. By then, if a late first-round pick is offered and Sacramento does not have to absorb a long-term deal (Jakob Poeltl), it is possible that Sabonis spends the rest of the season elsewhere.
Matt Johnson is Senior Editor of NFL and College Football for Sportsnaut. His work, including weekly NFL and college … More about Matt Johnson