There have been rumors that Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry has wanted to trade Domantas Sabonis since last year. Unfortunately, despite trying to move him this summer, the three-time All-Star remains in California’s capital.
While reports suggest the big man and the team are willing to move forward despite the rumors, Jake Fischer reported on Wednesday, “There’s been talk that Domantas Sabonis wants out of Sacramento, and that seems to be evident by the fact that he changed agents from Wasserman to CAA this summer.”
The NBA insider suggested that players are looking to get extensions instead of hitting free agency. The 30-year-old is eligible for one but isn’t going to get it from the Kings. So he probably wants to move on so he can get the time to gain the trust of a new team and have years added on to his current contract, which runs through 2027-28.
If Sabonis was able to force his way out of Sacramento soon, let’s look at five teams that could target a rare trade before NBA training camps open in a couple of weeks.
Washington Wizards
5Apr 9, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards logos are projected on the court during player intros prior to the Wizards’ game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Verizon Center. The Bobcats won 94-88 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
There have been rumblings since the Washington Wizards traded for Anthony Davis last season that he is not thrilled with the idea of playing for them unless they give him an extension. But they have informed him and his representation that it will have to wait. If things have gotten uncomfortable between Washington and the 10-time, would they move him for Sabonis? Maybe.
The Kings would certainly be open to the move because he will opt out of the final year of his contract to seek a long-term deal next summer. Getting a bunch of money off their salary cap after this season.
Detroit Pistons
5Dec 15, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; The Detroit Pistons logo is seen during the second quarter of the game between the Boston Celtics and the Detroit Pistons at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
The most obvious destination for a Sabonis trade would be the Detroit Pistons. He would welcome the chance to play for a contender, and the Kings badly want Jalen Duren. However, Detroit has been completely against a sign-and-trade this summer, and Duren remains in free agency.
If the Pistons believe that their relationship with the All-Star is so fractured that it only has one year left in it (after he signs their qualifying offer), they might more seriously consider a deal. While they would lose defense, a healthy Sabonis is still a good fit in Detroit.
Orlando Magic
5Feb 8, 2018; Orlando, FL, USA; A view of the Orlando Magic logo in the locker room hallway prior to the game of the Orlando Magic against the Atlanta Hawks at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
There has been a lot of speculation about the Orlando Magic breaking up the duo of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner over the last year. The Kings would probably be open to the idea of rebuilding around the young duo of Banchero and first-round pick Darius Acuff.
Sabonis would give the Magic improved rebounding and more three-point shooting. Since Orlando already has a good all-around defensive team, they might be able to overcome his weaknesses on that side of the ball.
Boston Celtics
5Nov 26, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; The Boston Celtics logo is seen before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Heading into the summer, the Boston Celtics were reportedly aiming to improve their frontcourt. However, the only move they made was for fan-favorite New York Knicks backup center Mitchell Robinson. A trade that sent Neemias Queta, Paul George, and a draft pick to Sacramento would certainly give them a more balanced starting lineup with Robinson in it or not.
The biggest issue is: would Sacramento actually take George back in the deal? It all matters for Perry’s long-term to rebuild the roster and get cap space. Or whether George is willing to opt out of his contract for 2027-28 for a multi-year deal at a lower annual rate.
Brooklyn Nets
5Nov 17, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; The old Nets logo on the court prior to the game between the Cleveland Cavilers and the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
The Brooklyn Nets flipped Nic Claxton this summer for three-time All-Star Julius Randle. However, they have no plans to re-sign Michael Porter after this season and have been looking to move him as well. A duo of Randle and Sabonis in the frontcourt would be interesting and would dominate on the boards.
The Kings would definitely be open to a trade for Porter — if the Nets are willing to do it — because, at the very least, he comes off the books after the 2026-27 season. But he could be very good for them after having a career year last season.
After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka … More about Jason Burgos