An unnamed team located in California, the same state as the Sacramento Kings, has reportedly expressed interest in trading for star center Domantas Sabonis. The Lithuanian big man has cemented his reputation as one of the NBA’s elite centers and first rose to prominence during his tenure with the Indiana Pacers.
Sabonis was included in the blockbuster trade that sent Tyrese Haliburton from Sacramento to Indiana — a deal that paid off handsomely for the Pacers, now the reigning Eastern Conference champion. Conversely, the Kings have yet to make any meaningful playoff progress since acquiring Sabonis.
Despite entering the 2025-26 NBA season with high hopes, the Kings have stumbled out of the gate, sitting at 3-8. Their sluggish start has sparked growing speculation about whether Sabonis will stay with the franchise.
California-Based Team Reportedly Eyes Domantas Sabonis
Whenever a team underperforms, its top players often find themselves in trade talks. Although Sabonis has put up strong averages of 15.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, Sacramento’s struggles have fueled questions about his long-term role with the team.
Sactown Sports 1140’s Allen Styles reported that another team in California is keeping tabs on Sabonis. However, the team’s front office is hesitant to absorb his large contract.
“So when you’re trying to trade for Sabonis, there’s a team out there — and I heard about a team not too far down the road that could be interested. And when I say ‘down the road,’ I mean down the freeway — that team could look at a Domantas Sabonis,” Styles said (per Hoopshype). “But again, he’s not going to live up to that $40-whatever-million AAV there. He’s probably not going to do it anywhere. That team might be better with him, but he won’t be producing at that contract level.”
There’s an NBA team in California that is expected to show interest in trading for Domantas Sabonis, per @Sactown1140
“So when you’re trying to trade for Sabonis, there’s a team out there — and I heard about a team not too far down the road that could be interested. And when I… pic.twitter.com/BTl2W7SFeU
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 12, 2025
Though the report didn’t name a particular franchise, many fans believe the Golden State Warriors are the most logical destination for Sabonis. Golden State could benefit from adding more size and youth at the center position, and Sabonis’ presence would help lighten the load on Al Horford and the rest of the team’s frontcourt rotation.
Even though the Warriors’ supporters would no doubt embrace a move for Sabonis, the team is unlikely to make a push due to his hefty contract. Sabonis is currently in the second season of a four-year, $186 million deal, which carries an average annual value of roughly $46 million.
Given that Golden State already endured tough contract talks with Jonathan Kuminga earlier this offseason, it seems improbable that the front office would be willing to sacrifice key assets to land Sabonis.
The other NBA franchises based in California — the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers — could also explore a deal, but it’s the Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, who appear to have the greatest need for Sabonis’ skill set. The next few months should determine whether these rumors turn into a legitimate trade pursuit.
