Domantas Sabonis has carved out a place for himself with the Sacramento Kings. The 29-year-old has become a household name in his city, easily one of the most talented offensive players in the league.
However, with the Kings struggling to win and Sabonis’ game somewhat stalled, it’s natural to expect trade rumors to emerge. Unfortunately, finding the right trade market for Sabonis might not be as easy as expected.
The NBA Player Guessing Game allows you to guess the NBA player based on clues about their team, division, height, jersey number, points, and experience.
NBA Executive Claims Domantas Sabonis’ Trade Value Might Not Be Equal to What One Expects
In a recent report on The Stein Line, Jake Fischer spoke about Sabonis and how his trade rumors have shaped up. And while Fischer compliments the Kings’ star’s game, he makes sure to keep his words candid.
According to Fischer, some factors may actively work against finding a trade match.
“Sabonis has nearly $95 million left on his contract across the two seasons after this one and is viewed as a defensive liability around the league,” Fischer wrote in his report.
That being said, he highlighted a quote by an anonymous NBA executive, pointing out that Sabonis’ defensive faults could cost him a trade if he were to seek one. At the same time, teams like the Golden State Warriors have been linked to Sabonis, but he might not be the kind of player they’re currently looking for.
“‘It’s tough to pay a center that much who doesn’t protect the rim and doesn’t shoot 3s — no matter how great of an offensive hub he can be,’ said one Western Conference executive. Yet Sabonis’ affinity for Sacramento and the high regard in which he is held by ever-involved Kings owner Vivek Ranadive are factors that work against a trade that can’t be ignored,” Fischer continued.
Of course, Fischer went on to clarify that while trade rumors continue to pop up, Sabonis isn’t expected to seek a trade out of Sacramento anytime soon.
Sabonis is currently signed to a four-year, $186,016,000 contract with the Kings, earning a yearly salary of $46,504,000.
GM Scott Perry Might Have Different Plans for Sabonis
Additionally, Fischer elaborated on general manager Scott Perry’s plans for a rebuild in Sacramento. Fischer explained that Perry understands the Kings will need multiple years to rebuild, and the team hopes to retain Keegan Murray and Nique Clifford with them.
Though this makes two players trade-proof, Sabonis’ status isn’t exactly guaranteed.
A veteran with a few more years left in his career, the Kings may want to shift their focus to a younger, stronger core. Additionally, the Kings could also move on from someone like Zach LaVine.
Irrespective of their decision, Sabonis remains an icon in Sacramento, currently averaging 17.2 points and 12.3 rebounds per game this season.
The Kings, currently at a 5-13 record, will face the Phoenix Suns for their next game on Wednesday, Nov. 26.