Kings insider Matt George refutes a viral Domantas Sabonis trade rumor linking the Sacramento star to the Hornets.
Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis became the center of a viral NBA rumor after a supposed trade between his team and the Charlotte Hornets spread online. The latest trade chatter claimed Charlotte was finalizing a deal for the Sacramento star. The rumored package centered on Grayson Allen, Grant Williams, and two first-round picks. However, Kings insider Matt George quickly pushed back, saying the report is “not true or accurate.” He added that Sacramento has not spoken with the Hornets since weeks before the NBA Draft.
That clarification matters because Sacramento enters another important offseason after a brutal 22-60 campaign. The Kings now face major questions about the direction of their roster, and Domantas Sabonis remains one of the biggest names in any speculation.
His 2025-26 season ended early after surgery to repair his meniscus. Sabonis appeared in only 19 games, averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. His absence left Sacramento without one of its most reliable interior forces.
Domantas Sabonis-Hornets trade rumor gets shut down
The viral claim painted a dramatic picture. Charlotte was supposedly sending Allen, Williams, and two first-round picks to Sacramento to land Sabonis. On paper, that package would immediately turn heads.
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Charlotte also looks like an interesting theoretical destination. The Hornets went 44-38 last season and reached the Play-In Tournament before losing to the Orlando Magic. Adding a proven rebounder and playmaker like Sabonis could make basketball sense.
But that does not make the report real. George’s update directly undercuts the idea that the two teams are negotiating. Trade season always produces noise, especially when struggling teams have expensive veterans and uncertain futures.
For Kings fans, the real focus should be Sabonis’ recovery and Sacramento’s next move after a 60-loss season. Until credible talks emerge, this viral Hornets rumor belongs in the fake-news pile.
So what comes next for Domantas Sabonis and the Kings when the real trade conversations begin?