After trading De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs before the 2025 NBA trade deadline, the Sacramento Kings are only a game above missing the Play-In Tournament entirely, and with veterans Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis just good enough to permanently keep the Kings out of the draft lottery, Sacramento might need to shake things up.
The only contract they have that is feasibl moveable would be that of Sabonis, who is one of the better bigs in the league and has long been the best rebounder.
Under contract for three full seasons after this year, his value will never be higher.
While the Kings might not want to trade their franchise player, Sabonis might simply be tired of playing for a mediocre team with no discernable direction, and in the age of player empowerment, a trade demand or request goes a long way.
Apparently, it's not out of the realm of possibility.
"Many around the league are preparing for the possibility of the Kings becoming big sellers ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline next February, which would likely result in Sabonis requesting a trade should a clear direction not present itself," wrote ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel.
Teams with a clear need at the center position like the Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Milwaukee Bucks--assuming Brook Lopez signs elsewhere--will light up for Sabonis' services, and the Kings could jumpstart a rebuild by parting ways with him.
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The clock is ticking. While Sacramento has plenty of leverage over Sabonis until his contract is over, his value will only slowly decline the longer it takes the Kings to deal him away, making it somewhat urgent.
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This story was originally published March 28, 2025 at 1:17 PM.