The Washington Wizards have reached out to the Sacramento Kings regarding a possible trade involving Domantas Sabonis as the NBA trade deadline approaches. This development adds complexity to Sacramento’s ongoing plans, with both teams struggling near the bottom of their conferences while assessing long-term roster strategies.
Trade Proposal Focuses on Khris Middleton’s Expiring Contract
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Wizards are considering building an offer centered on Khris Middleton’s $33 million expiring salary. Despite this, Sacramento has not yet received a trade proposal compelling enough to move Sabonis. Fischer emphasized that the Kings prioritize acquiring draft picks in any potential deal.
The Stein Line has learned that the Wizards have called Sacramento about the prospect of building an offer for Sabonis around Khris Middleton’s $33 million expiring salary, but I’m told that there has yet to be a trade framework presented to the Kings that would compel them to part with Sabonis … yet.
?Jake Fischer, NBA Insider
Current Team Records and Player Performance
Heading into the deadline, Sacramento holds the worst record in the Western Conference at 12–39, while Washington sits 14th in the Eastern Conference with a 13–36 mark. Sabonis remains one of Sacramento’s top contributors this season, averaging 15.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists across 18 games.
Sacramento’s Roster Adjustments Signal Strategic Shift
The Kings have made recent changes, obtaining De’Andre Hunter in a three-team trade on February 1. This move reflects an intention to rebuild their forward lineup around Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Russell Westbrook. Trading Sabonis, a high-usage big man, would further align with a focus on perimeter offense and stockpiling future draft assets.
Washington’s Motivation and Financial Considerations
The Wizards are interested in Sabonis to complement their young, spacing-oriented team that currently lacks a strong playmaking center. Middleton’s expiring contract offers Washington financial flexibility to integrate Sabonis without compromising their cap space. The team’s recent acquisition of Trae Young in early January underlines their shift toward a guard-heavy lineup.
League-Wide Context and Pending Decisions
Sacramento has explored multiple offers involving their frontcourt players and continues to value first-round draft selections highly. As of now, no definitive trade agreement has been reached, with Sacramento still weighing its options around veteran scorers and long-term direction. The possibility remains that Sabonis will stay with the Kings as the February 9 deadline looms.
The Wizards have called the Kings to offer a package centered around Khris Middleton for Domantas Sabonis, per @JakeLFischer
“The Stein Line has learned that the Wizards have called Sacramento about the prospect of building an offer for Sabonis around Khris Middleton's $33… pic.twitter.com/hyKycV0ZsQ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 4, 2026
