The future of Domantas Sabonis could lie elsewhere, with an Eastern Conference team reportedly holding exploratory talks with the Sacramento Kings about a possible trade.
The three-time NBA All-Star still has two years left on his current $186,016,000-worth contract with the Kings.
Could Domantas Sabonis Make a Spectacular Eastern Conference Return?
Sabonis enjoyed five dominant years with the Indiana Pacers before being traded to the Sacramento Kings in 2022. However, the Kings are reportedly listening to trade offers for the 30-year-old after an injury-plagued season in which he played just 19 games.
The Kings failed to make the NBA playoffs this season and are now looking to retool their roster. According to HoopsHype, Charlotte could be a possible destination for Sabonis.
The report further claims that the Hornets have held exploratory talks with the Kings over a trade involving Sabonis, with Miles Bridges, Josh Green, and a first-round draft pick possibly going to Sacramento.
The Hornets hold the 14th and 18th picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, but reportedly remain reluctant to use those for a trade involving Sabonis. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, a deal is unlikely to be made before the NBA Draft, with the Kings seemingly keen to weigh a trade for Sabonis later in the summer.
Sabonis is slated to earn $45.4 million next year and $48.6 million during the 2027/28 season. However, it remains to be seen whether he can return to his best on the court following his struggles with a meniscus issue in his left knee for much of the 2025/26 season.
The Kings big man underwent surgery to repair his torn meniscus in February and is confident he will be fit in time for the start of the 2026/27 season. He spoke in April about his determination to return to the top level, but remained uncertain about his future with the Kings.
“I’ll be ready for the start of next season and play at the All-NBA level that everyone here in Sacramento has been used to seeing me play at. There’s a lot of uncertainty. I don’t know what that feels like.”
But I can control what I control, getting back to that All-NBA player that I know I can be. I’m very happy here. Things like this, you just got to focus on my knee, my rehab, you know, getting back,” he said via Sactown Sports.
A two-time All-NBA third-team selection and three-time rebounding leader in the league, Sabonis also attracted interest from the Toronto Raptors ahead of the February trade deadline. But talks ultimately broke down.
