The Sacramento Kings have been working towards trading Domantas Sabonis since the end of the 2024-2025 regular season. But the recent moves the Kings have been making might have created an opportunity to put him to better use. In short, Sacramento should consider hanging onto him.
Okay, let's clear the air right now. What I'm about to propose is pretty much the opposite of what I've been writing about Sabonis and the Kings for the better part of a year. Like most people who write about Sacramento, trading him has seemed like the best and only option to move the Kings forward.
But minds are changing, including mine. Over the past year, general manager Scott Perry has made serious moves that will turn this franchise around. That includes two successful drafts in 2025 and 2026, as well as re-signing key young players and picking up some great free agents.
The problem for Sabonis in this rebuild is that Kings fans directly associate him with that era. Additionally, his massive contract is seen as a barrier to the rebuild. All of those things are correct, which is why conversations about trading Sabonis still dominate the narrative around him.
Sabonis could play a part in the rebuild process on the team
Many people have forgotten that Sabonis is actually a good player. His defense leaves a lot to be desired, but he is an incredible offensive piece as well as one of the best active rebounders in the league. Simply put, he has a lot to offer any team that takes him, including the Kings.
As it stands right now, Sacramento should be going with Maxime Raynaud as their starting center, with Dylan Cardwell as his primary backup. It doesn't hurt to have Sabonis around as another backup center. But his primary role should be a power forward, providing more depth at that position.
Sabonis offers elite passing and vision, incredible screen-setting, and floor spacing thanks to his respectable outside shooting. The man is a playmaker, which the Kings could really use at this point. Plus, Sacramento has greatly improved their defensive profile, making up for his major weakness.
If the right deal comes along, trading Sabonis still makes sense for the Kings. At the same time, they should look at keeping him for one more season and seeing how he fits into this new roster. Besides, the Kings are still trying to trade DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Malik Monk to make payroll room.
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