The Phoenix Suns have been loosely linked to Domantas Sabonis for several years now.
Yesterday, Jake Weinbach relayed a report from Sam Amick suggesting that the Suns’ interest has not waned.
“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, but Sabonis is prepared to remain in a Kings jersey for the foreseeable future.” — Sam Amick in The Athletic’s NBA trade talk: What I’m hearing about piece.
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Amick adds: “If the Kings (6-19) continue down this losing track, there could be a payoff for all that pain in the form of their 2026 first-round draft pick. AJ Dybantsa, anyone?“
Now, the language of “prior links” and “short-list of suitors” aren’t exactly ringing endorsements for anything imminent. Especially after it was followed up by Sabonis preparing to remain in a Kings jersey for the foreseeable future.
Sabonis, 29, is a three-time All-Star and has finished in the top 10 of MVP voting twice in his 10-year NBA career. He has battled some injuries this season, only appearing in 11 games while averaging 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in 33.2 minutes per game.
Domantas has 2 years left on his contract after this season, at $45.5 and $48.6 million per year, respectively, before entering free agency in 2028-29.
Any deal involving Sabonis’s contract makes Jalen Green the piece that would have to be involved, along with at least a couple of others, for salary purposes. Mark Williams was mentioned along with Green, and that’s a bit too rich for my liking. Sacramento would likely ask for another core young piece and a pick in addition to whatever the Suns package with Green.
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Yes, the Suns have a good thing going for them right now. Yes, Jalen Green looked excellent in his debut. I don’t think that should stop the Suns from looking to make upgrades or improvements on the roster. They are deep at the guard position right now, and we haven’t seen what they all look like when healthy together.
That said, if it’s Green AND Williams, I’m out. If they can swing something for just Green and filler pieces… that’s a whole lot more interesting. Williams-Sabonis-Brooks-Booker-Gillespie with Allen off the bench is a bit more of a balanced roster than they currently have constructed. It is a lot of money to commit to a Booker-Sabonis pairing, but I don’t think it’s anything to scoff at, even if you are attached to this group.
PHOENIX, AZ – FEBRUARY 13: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings embraces Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns after the game on February 13, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
Phoenix has already been connected to Jonathan Kuminga during the offseason, though that interest has faded, according to John Gambadoro.
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It’s unlikely the Suns make any major deals while the vibes are this high, but crazier things have happened.
What do you think, Suns fans? Should Phoenix pursue Domantas Sabonis or hold on to this roster and see how they look once they’re all on the court together?