The Sacramento Kings appear unlikely to trade All-Star forward Domantas Sabonis in the upcoming offseason, according to NBA journalist Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Although Sacramento considered moving Sabonis around the trade deadline, interest from teams like the Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards has not yet pushed the Kings toward another deal.
Stein reported,
“It is not seen as a certainty, according to one source briefed on the process, that the Kings will try again in the offseason to trade Domantas Sabonis after fielding in-season trade offers for the former All-Star big man,”
highlighting the team’s current indecision. Further influencing the Kings’ outlook,
“There are scenarios, I’m told, that would steer Sacramento toward keeping Sabonis — who has two seasons left on his contract after this one — that depend on how the Kings fare in May’s draft lottery and whom they are able to select in a draft headlined by Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer,”
Stein added.
Sabonis’ Season Cut Short, Contract and Performance Overview
Sabonis’ 2023-24 season ended prematurely following knee surgery to repair a torn left meniscus. He appeared in only 19 games, averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. The three-time All-Star is set to earn $45.5 million next season, with a $48.6 million salary in 2027-28, the final year of his contract.
Sabonis’ Impact Since Joining Sacramento
Since being acquired from the Indiana Pacers in the trade that sent Tyrese Haliburton to Indiana in February 2022, Sabonis has been a central figure for Sacramento. He played a key role in ending the franchise’s long playoff drought by helping the Kings reach the postseason in 2023 for the first time since 2006. The Kings pushed the Golden State Warriors to a seven-game first-round series but ultimately fell short.
With Sabonis joining forces alongside players like De’Aaron Fox and rising star Keegan Murray, Sacramento seemed poised for growth. However, the team missed the playoffs in 2024, compounded by Fox’s trade to the San Antonio Spurs, further clouding the Kings’ immediate future.
Career Overview and Future Considerations for Sabonis and the Kings
Throughout his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Pacers, and Kings, Sabonis has averaged 16.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, showcasing his versatile skill set. As Sacramento holds the worst NBA record this season, the decision on Sabonis’ future may hinge on draft outcomes and team-building strategies moving forward.
