The Sacramento Kings would likely prefer to keep Domantas Sabonis on the roster for years to come. If Sacramento decides to enter a complete rebuild, however, the idea of trading Sabonis may become realistic. Sabonis, one of the better players in the NBA, is currently preparing for the 2025-26 season. His next team could be a familiar trade partner for Sacramento, though. The Chicago Bulls, who have traded players such as Zach LaVine to the Kings in past years, could emerge as a fit for Sabonis if Sacramento were to decide to move in a different direction.
The Bulls could use an upgrade in the post. Nikola Vucevic is set to enter free agency following the 2025-26 campaign. Acquiring Sabonis would give Chicago a big man to build around for years to come. Sabonis will not enter free agency until after the 2027-28 season, and the Bulls could always try to work out a new contract extension with Sabonis after acquiring him.
Sabonis, 29, has been extremely consistent since the Kings acquired him from the Indiana Pacers in 2021-22. He averaged 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds and 6.0 assists per outing during the 2024-25 campaign. Sabonis also shot 59 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from beyond the arc. There is no question that the Kings' big man is underrated.
As mentioned, Sacramento would surely prefer to avoid trading Sabonis. The Kings endured an up and down 2024-25 season, though. If they take a step in the wrong direction, a complete rebuild may become their only option. Even if it is not this season, trading Sabonis could be a possibility at some point down the road.
Many teams around the NBA will reach out to the Kings if Sabonis does become available in trade discussions. At 6'10", he can play center or power forward. If a team already has a talented center, acquiring Sabonis would give them one of the better frontcourts in the NBA. Teams in need of a center could also look to trade for the 29-year-old.
However, the Bulls will be worth closely monitoring if the Kings begin discussing a possible Sabonis deal. For now, the Kings are expected to keep Sabonis on the roster. A trade is not expected anytime soon. With all of that being said, there are no guarantees that a trade will not come to fruition at some point down the road.