Domantas Sabonis could be finished with the Sacramento Kings after this season, despite signing a massive contract extension. The talented center has been a force for his team, but the success hasn’t been what they’d hoped for.
Currently 36-40 with six games remaining in the season, the Kings could very well be due for an overhaul of their roster. Sabonis, who averages 19.0 points, 14.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game, leads the NBA in rebounds.
Domantas Sabonis’ Contract With the Kings
Sabonis is currently under a four-year, $186,016,000 contract, which took effect this season. He makes $40.5 million this season and is set to earn $43.6 million next year.
While that’s a hefty contract to move, there will definitely be suitors. Sabonis is a skilled big who can score, pass, and is one of the best rebounders in the world. There are teams that might be willing to take the risk and trade for the three-time All-Star.
Domantas Sabonis to the Chicago Bulls
Sabonis to the Bulls would depend on what Nikola Vucevic wants to do going forward. Or, the Bulls could do the unthinkable and play both at the 4 and 5 together. Sabonis and Vucevic wouldn’t be the best defensive frontcourt, but they’d arguably form the best offensive frontcourt in the league.
Smart passers, dynamic scorers and elite rebounding — there’s something potentially there if the Bulls want to make a move. But it all depends on Vucevic’s future. Sabonis has a big contract, so the pieces needed to make it work might not be realistic. Still, if the opportunity came up, Chicago would have to explore the salary movement to make it fit.
Domantas Sabonis to the Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers desperately need a big man. The framework of this deal would likely include Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves, which could be worth it for Los Angeles. LeBron James is nearing retirement, and Sabonis is just 28 years old.
If the Lakers can keep Reaves while landing Sabonis, there’s a world where a trio of Sabonis, Reaves and Luka Dončić becomes a nightmare offensively. While that group wouldn’t change things defensively, it would absolutely shift the offensive identity of the Lakers post-LeBron.
Domantas Sabonis to the Utah Jazz
This might be a stretch, but imagine a frontcourt of Cooper Flagg, Lauri Markkanen and Domantas Sabonis. Flagg at the 3, Markkanen at the 4, Sabonis at the 5 — what defenses could stop that? Not many.
Contract-wise, it would take some maneuvering, but Utah’s offensive scheme might fit Sabonis better than Sacramento’s. The addition of Flagg would give the Jazz a defensive anchor, allowing Sabonis to be hidden at times on that end. Isaiah Collier has also shown flashes of being a solid point guard for the franchise.
If the Jazz can get Sabonis and keep Flagg, Markkanen and Collier, they could be a problem next season. Will Danny Ainge and the front office take the risk? That remains to be seen.