SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 09: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after a play in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden 1 Center on November 09, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
The Sacramento Kings have one of the worst situations in the NBA right now. A terrible 6-19 record sees the Kings currently tied for the second worst record in the entire league. Sacramento had high hopes of making the playoffs with a veteran roster that has failed to click so far. Trade rumors heading into the deadline makes it obvious that the Kings hope to rebuild for the future.
Domantas Sabonis is one of multiple names expected to be on the trade block for opposing teams to make offers. Recent success has seen Sabonis make three All-Star appearances and receive two All-NBA selections as a top center. Sabonis is clearly talented, but the Kings’ difficult situation may make it harder to get great offers.
NBA reporter Sam Amick reported that three teams had interest in Sabonis during past trade discussions:
“Teams like Washington, the Phoenix Suns and Chicago have shown significant interest in the past and are still believed to be on his short list of possible suitors.”
All three teams need more talent to be competitive on varying levels. Sabonis is the ideal big man for teams that currently lack a paint presence and need all-around play. Rebounding and assisting are Sabonis’ strengths in an offense.
What Domantas Sabonis Offers Each Team
The Phoenix Suns make the most sense of the three teams rumored to have interest in Sabonis. Devin Booker gives them a top option, but the team lacks a second true All-Star player. Dillon Brooks is currently overachieving as the second option with Jalen Green out. However, a player like Sabonis raises their ceiling as a playoff team with a chance to upset higher seeds.
Many fans would be surprised at the Washington Wizards being involved in trade talks. Washington is clearly rebuilding and hoping to get a high draft pick this season. Unfortunately, their other goal for player development has failed badly. Sabonis would give them a chance to be a respectable team again.
The Chicago Bulls may be the most interesting option since the beloved market has struggled to field a contender. Acquiring Sabonis would have the franchise and rest of the roster built around him and Josh Giddey.
Domantas Sabonis Not Expecting A Trade
Amick’s report mentions the teams that have shown interest in Sabonis, but he also discusses the reality of a trade coming true. Sacramento wants to rebuild with younger pieces that typically come from dealing All-Star level names.
However, Sabonis’ value has slipped this season, and his contract has a high salary. Opposing teams will likely attempt to swindle the Kings and offer a much cheaper deal than they’d desire. Sacramento will have to accept getting less in return for a great player to make it less realistic.
“Sabonis is prepared to remain in a Kings jersey for the foreseeable future,” Amick said about the player’s thought process ahead of the deadline. Past seasons have seen Sabonis traded or in discussions for a trade at the deadline, so this is nothing new at this stage of his career.
Joey Haverford Joey Haverford is a seasoned sports content writer with over 12 years of experience. He has covered the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NFL, and professional wrestling in the sports industry. More about Joey Haverford
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