Domantas Sabonis was mentioned in trade talks at this past NBA trade deadline, but that doesn’t mean the same will hold true this summer.

Sabonis was linked to the Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards leading up to the February 5th deadline, but the Wizards pivoted to star big Anthony Davis, while the Raptors addressed their front-court depth by trading for former Golden State Warriors draft pick Trayce Jackson-Davis.

The Sacramento Kings have viewed Sabonis as a franchise cornerstone over the years, something that is evident when you look at the three-time All-Star’s current contract.

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

More on Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis

If it weren’t for Domantas Sabonis’ contract, there’s a chance he may have been moved to Toronto during the trade deadline.

Toronto’s interest in Sabonis was legit, but the Raptors tried to offload center Jakob Poeltl’s contract in return for the remaining two years and over $90 million on Sabonis’ deal.

No deal came to fruition, and Sabonis–the three-time reigning NBA rebounding champion–remained in Sacramento, where the Kings’ future is anything but clear.

Sabonis has been ruled out for the rest of the regular season due to surgery that repaired the torn meniscus in his left knee, opening the door for young centers Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell to get extended minutes in the rotation.

Sacramento owns the worst record in the NBA, and it’s no secret they would like to secure a high pick in this summer’s loaded 2026 NBA Draft.

Sabonis’ future may depend on what happens in May’s NBA Draft Lottery, says NBA insider Marc Stein, as the Kings may decide to move forward with the 29-year-old as a part of their new core to pair with their new rookie:

It is not seen as a certainty, according to one source briefed on the process, that the Kings will try again in the offseason to trade Domantas Sabonis after fielding in-season trade offers for the former All-Star big man.

There are scenarios, I’m told, that would steer Sacramento toward keeping Sabonis — who has two seasons left on his contract after this one — that depend on how the Kings fare in May’s draft lottery and whom they are able to select in a draft headlined by Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer.

NBA insider Marc Stein on Domantas Sabonis – February 24, 2026

Domantas Sabonis has been a force during his time in Sacramento.

Over parts of five seasons with the Kings, Sabonis holds averages of 19.0 points, 13.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 0.8 steals on 59 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent from three-point range over 265 appearances.

Sabonis has been named to one All-Star team and earned two All-NBA Third Team nods during his time in Sacramento, while also climbing to 10th on the NBA’s all-time triple-doubles list (68).

As Raynaud and Cardwell finish out the season, time will tell whether Sabonis starts next season as the Kings’ starting big man alongside one of the top prospects from this year’s draft.

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When is the next Sacramento Kings game?

The Sacramento Kings will continue a five-game road trip on Wednesday afternoon against the Houston Rockets.

Sacramento is 2-1 against Houston this season, winning the most recent matchup on January 11th by a final of 111-98 at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Houston Rockets action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 3:30 PM PT on Game Night before a 5:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Houston.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season

Wednesday, February 25th @ Houston Rockets – 5:00 PM PT
Thursday, February 26th @ Dallas Mavericks – 5:30 PM PT
Sunday, March 1st @ Los Angeles Lakers – 6:30 PM PT
Tuesday, March 3rd vs. Phoenix Suns – 8:00 PM PT
Thursday, March 5th vs. New Orleans Pelicans – 7:00 PM PT

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