Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors
Photo by Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images
Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are once again surfacing in trade rumors, but this time the narrative is moving in the opposite direction. Despite speculation connecting Golden State to a major frontcourt splash, the team is reportedly not pursuing a deal for Domantas Sabonis.
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel , the Warriors have “no interest” in acquiring Sabonis, even as the Sacramento Kings explore the market for their top veterans during a looming reset.
It may feel surprising at first — Golden State needs center help, their offense has stalled, and Sabonis has been a nightly double-double for years. But the reasons behind their lack of interest make far more sense when you look deeper.
Why the Warriors Aren’t Pursuing Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis, Kings
Getty Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings leaves the court after they lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA play-in tournament game.
Siegel reported that multiple teams are wary of Sabonis because of limitations in his game: lack of athleticism, limited defensive range, and the inability to stretch the floor on a consistent basis. But for the Warriors, it is not just about skill set. It is about math and fit.
Sabonis carries a $42.3 million salary, which jumps to $45.5 million next season and $48.6 million the year after. For Golden State to legally acquire him under the CBA, they would need to send out a massive outgoing package.
Realistically, a Sabonis trade would require Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, and more — unless the Warriors were willing to include Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, or Draymond Green, which they obviously are not.
The Warriors need upgrades, but not at the price of gutting their wing depth and two of their only ascending young contributors.
Golden State Need a Center, But This Is the Wrong One
Sabonis is a gifted passer and elite rebounder. When healthy, he puts up All-Star numbers: 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and over 3.5 assists per game.
But Golden State’s real need has always leaned toward:
Rim protection
Mobility in space
Vertical athleticism
Defensive versatility
Sabonis is none of those things. The Kings often hide him in coverages, and his lack of length (listed at 6’10”) and slow footspeed have been postseason issues for years.
Offensively, he is a dream for movement-heavy teams, but the Warriors already have limited spacing around Curry. Trading for a non-shooting big who would clog the paint makes little sense at a time when their halfcourt offense already feels cramped.
There is also the injury backdrop: Sabonis is currently recovering from a partial left meniscus tear. Even when he returns, durability has quietly been a concern.
Why the Golden State Warriors Have Better Targets for a Kuminga Trade
The biggest reason the Warriors are not interested: they need to hit a home run with their Jonathan Kuminga asset.
This is the franchise’s last real opportunity to trade a young blue-chip talent for a major piece in the Curry timeline. And Sabonis, as good as he is, is not that piece.
Siegel noted that Golden State is far more intrigued by wings like Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, two players whose defense, size, and shooting align perfectly with what the Warriors lack.
If Golden State wants a center, there are cheaper value fits like Ivica Zubac, who provides better rim protection and paint scoring without the $150 million contract.
Trading for Sabonis would fix some problems while creating others, and in the end the net gain would be questionable.
Final Word: Warriors Are Right to Look Elsewhere
There is no denying that the Warriors need help up front. They have struggled protecting the rim, controlling the boards, and maintaining energy in second-unit minutes. Sabonis would bring creation and rebounding, but the cost, fit, and defensive questions make him a low-percentage move.
Their priorities are clear: maximize Curry’s remaining championship years, preserve depth, and use Kuminga’s value wisely.
Sabonis checks some boxes. He also leaves too many unchecked.
Golden State should chase upgrades, but not this one.