NBA trade rumors are heating up as the Boston Celtics search for solutions to their center problem. The defending champions have a significant roster hole to fill after losing several key big men this offseason.
With Jayson Tatum recovering from Achilles rehab, Kristaps Porzingis traded to Atlanta, and Al Horford likely departing in free agency, the Celtics desperately need size in the paint. Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis, standing 6’11” and coming off a league-leading 13.7 rebounds per game season, could be the perfect solution.
Celtics’ Center Crisis Meets Kings’ Willingness to Deal
Boston’s center situation borders on catastrophic. Following Porzingis’ departure to Atlanta and Horford’s expected exit through free agency, the Celtics are left with an underwhelming rotation of Neemias Queta, Xavier Tillman Sr., and Luka Garza handling center duties.
That’s where Sabonis becomes the perfect fit. The Lithuanian big man averaged 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 6.0 assists last season, providing exactly the rebounding consistency and interior presence Boston’s current roster lacks.
A Bleacher Report analyst broke down how Sabonis would integrate into Boston’s system:
“I think he’d work really well as this playmaking hub type of big, someone to really orchestrate the offense alongside Derrick White and Jaylen Brown and Tatum,” he explained in a recent breakdown of the potential trade.
Meanwhile, Sacramento appears ready to shake things up after their disappointing campaign. The Kings finished 40-42 and fell in the play-in tournament, prompting management to consider major roster changes.
“There’ve been reports that the Kings could shake up their big three, which isn’t very good. It’s not really a big three. I just don’t think the fit is good at all with them,” noted the analyst, referring to DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Sabonis.
Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee reported the front office’s willingness to “test the market” for Sabonis. The Athletic’s Sam Amick added that while Sabonis hasn’t requested a trade, he’s frustrated with the team’s direction under new GM Scott Perry.
Breaking Down the $217 Million Trade Package
The proposed deal from Bleacher Report sends Anfernee Simons, Sam Hauser, Georges Niang, Neemias Queta, and two first-round picks to Sacramento for Sabonis. This package offers the Kings a mix of young talent, draft capital, and financial flexibility.
“Simons is expiring. Hauser does hurt to lose him as a shooter making only around $10 million but I think he’s replaceable. Niang again, he’s expiring. Queta could be a solid big, but he just goes to the Kings to give them somebody,” the analyst explained.
However, Boston would inherit Sabonis’ massive five-year, $217 million contract. The deal pays him $42.3 million this season and increases to $48.6 million by 2027-28.
For a three-time All-Star who led the league in rebounding and recorded 26 triple-doubles in 2023-24, that investment could be worthwhile for a contending team maximizing its championship window.
Once Tatum returns from his Achilles rehab, the Celtics would roll out a starting five of Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Sabonis.
“That is a ridiculously talented starting five,” emphasized the Bleacher Report analysis.
Still, the move isn’t without concerns. The analyst noted potential fit issues: “He’s not really the shooting type of big that Joe Mazzulla likes…. Sabonis, again, not really a rim protector, so maybe you worry about the defense a little bit.”
Those concerns might not be deal-breakers, though. Boston has strong defensive players like Brown and White, who could help cover for Sabonis’ defensive limitations.
This trade remains purely speculative for now, but it makes sense for both franchises. Boston gets the frontcourt star they desperately need while Tatum recovers from injury. Sacramento receives promising young players and draft picks to kickstart their rebuilding process.
Whether this blockbuster actually materializes or joins the long list of “what if” trades remains to be seen.
