The Kings would have several interested suitors if they decide to part with Domantas Sabonis, Sam Amick of the Athletic said during a recent appearance on SacTown Sports (YouTube link; hat tip to Real GM).
“So, as it relates to Sabonis, my understanding is there are at least a few teams that have raised their hand to say, ‘Yeah, he’s somebody we’d want to talk about,’” Amick told the hosts. “I’ve said it on your show before — I don’t have that sort of information about Zach (LaVine).”
Sabonis is currently making $42.3MM and still has two more seasons left on the four-year extension he signed in 2023. He’ll earn $45.5MM in 2026/27 and $48.6MM in 2027/28 before becoming a free agent in the summer of 2028.
Sabonis, 29, is a three-time All-Star who has led the league in rebounding the past three years. He’s gotten off to a slow start this season as his numbers are down across the board at 15.3 points, 12.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists through nine games, but he’s still a highly valued big man.
The Kings have been an early disappointment at 3-9 and could be considering changes, either in an effort to salvage the season or to tank in hopes of landing a high pick in a strong draft.
As Amick indicates, it could be much easier to trade Sabonis than LaVine, who’s making $47.5MM and holds a $49MM player option for next season. The Bulls spent months trying to find a taker for LaVine before Sacramento agreed to acquire him as part of a three-team trade in February.
Amick also said the Kings were “comfortable” giving Keegan Murray a five-year rookie scale extension because “they not only valued him within their program, but they learned that he’s got a lot of value around the league.” Murray hasn’t played yet this season after undergoing thumb surgery in October.
Sabonis hasn’t developed the shooting that would’ve put him on the level of a contributor on a contender. Perfect fit for the kings. Any team that is showing interest would be trying to make the playoffs just to sell some tickets.
He would probably be the 3rd best player on a true championship contender, not the star but he could definitely be a contributor.
I know it’s ridiculous and not apples to apples but I’d hesitate to trade for somebody that has been traded twice and both times the returns helped catapult the OTHER team to the finals.
Trading for Lavine was such a Sacramento thing to do. Just like signing Schroeder and Derozan.
You would think DeRozan is the guy on teh trading blco more than Any of teh others. He has a moderate contract and if some contention need scoring he would be the guy to trade. Most likely a late round 1st round pick but to get rid of $25 million off teh payroll would be worth it.
Nobody want DeRozan he is a bench player at this point. Come off the bench and put up points. There’s no way he can win a championship unless he only takes 10 to 15 million which this generation of Superstars are selfish and more about the money than they are about actually winning.
Zach LaVine is pretty much untreatable into his contract ends.
If I was the Kings I would trade to sabonis and get the picks and young players. Gs and a few other teams could use him he is a good piece of used right with a point guard. Ride DeMar DeRozan and Levine unless a trade come.
However, all this is meaningless if they don’t know how to draft. This is probably one of the worst drafting teams over the last 20 years seeing how much they’ve been in the lottery and just squandered pick after pick after pic. I doubt the NBA would ever give them the first overall pic as of right now seeing how they squatted so many second old for all and third overall
DeRozan still have offense value. If a team is desperate for a playoff spot they might trade for him. Would n’t be a big asset haul for Kings just shredding payroll.
Sabonis would be an answer to most of the Bulls problems if they could figure out a way to make the deal work in the NBA’s convoluted trade system. Maybe Coby, Collins and Williams? Sabonis plays the 4, Essengue gets more NBA time, I’d even toss in the Portland 1st round pick the Bulls have coming. Might work.
You could have something there if you take out Williams in the offer and put in Jalen Smith.
Zach has a player option next year so no chance any team is trading for him unless its another bad contract. Sabonis being over a $40 million a year player is still not a easy contract to trade to get back a great package of a huge amount of top draft picks.