Much of the conversation around the Sacramento Kings over the last few days has focused on the impending departure of Domantas Sabonis. Really, we've all been talking about this since last summer. The difference now is that Sabonis seems to be the one driving the conversation.
Since Scott Perry took over as general manager, the writing has been on the wall for several Kings players. He has slowly been weeding out guys associated with the 'Beam Team Era' and the period of chaos that almost immediately followed it. That's part of the rebuild process he's spearheading.
The most recent major departure was DeMar DeRozan. Sacramento waived him, stretched his remaining contract, and now have room for a couple of veteran minimum contracts. DeRozan signed with the Nuggets, another franchise trapped in it's own financial nightmare. But they have the Joker.
Next up are both Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, whose sizable contracts have become anchors weighing the Kings down. LaVine may get moved close to the trade deadline, but the Kings are likely to wait out his contract, which only has a year left. Sabonis is a much different story.
The Kings potentially trading Sabonis is getting more and more likely
Regardless of whether Sacramento finds a buddy to trade with on LaVine, he's no longer a King as of the end of the 2026-2027 season. On the other hand, Sabonis still has another year left on his contract after that. Two more expensive seasons of the Kings being financially handcuffed.
Sacramento wanting to trade Sabonis isn't news. He's been on the block since before last season. What's changed is that the Kings have made it clear that they are not giving him the massive extension he wants. Sabonis responded by hiring a new agent who can get him to a team that will.
Never forget that Sabonis is still a top 20 big man in the NBA. He's a lethal scorer and rebounder, not to mention a heck of a passer. That being said, he couldn't defend the rim if he got a stepladder. Sabonis does not fit the direction of the Kings, and both sides are exceedingly aware of this fact.
All that needs to happen is finding a team that wants Sabonis and a deal that works for the Kings. Being that they have Maxime Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell, and Precious Achiuwa, they're good at the five. But another point guard and some draft picks? Now you're talking the Kings' language.
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