With his arrival in 2022, Domantas Sabonis was instrumental in breaking the Sacramento Kings’ 16-year playoff drought. The center/power forward has also been showing off his skills this season.
However, the latest rumors indicate that their partnership could end prematurely, and Sabonis could take his talents elsewhere.
Domantas Sabonis’ Future With the Kings Hinges on Stability Within the Franchise
Earlier this season, the 2022-23 NBA Coach of the Year, Mike Brown, was fired by the Kings just 31 games into the season. Brown’s replacement, Doug Christie, had the mandate, but the results have not improved.
A similar case can be found in the front office. Wes Wilcox, who had been serving as Monte McNair’s assistant general manager, stepped down recently. Wilcox has forayed into the college basketball world, joining the Utah Utes as GM.
According to the rumor, these factors have tilted the balance, which could ultimately result in Sabonis asking for a trade away from Sacramento. The players want the franchise’s future secured. If that doesn’t happen in the summer, the Kings will have to offload several players.
“Every player on this roster wants to know the answer to this question, especially Sabonis,” stated the report.
“… Many around the league are preparing for the possibility of the Kings becoming big sellers ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline next February, which would likely result in Sabonis requesting a trade should a clear direction not present itself.”
Domantas Sabonis could request a trade if the Kings don’t establish a clear direction this offseason, per @BrettSiegelNBA
“Many around the league are preparing for the possibility of the Kings becoming big sellers ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline next February, which would… pic.twitter.com/7dMOmbdN6X
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 28, 2025
Last year, Sabonis signed a massive four-year extension worth $186 million. The Kings plan to build a roster around their star, but those plans could be jeopardized.
Sabonis Leads the Fight for the Playoffs
On Friday, March 28, the Kings snapped their four-game losing streak by defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 128-107. NBA’s top rebounder put in a game-winning performance, but his team needs more of those to get to a postseason.
Sabonis has averaged 19.0 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game this season. However, he has also been plagued by injuries and has missed 12 games.
The Kings are currently No. 9 in the Western Conference with a 36-37 record. They are 5.5 games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves at No. 8, but the competition for the final two places in the play-in tournament is heating up.
Sacramento is only 0.5 games ahead of the Dallas Mavericks (No. 10) and 1.5 games ahead of the Phoenix Suns (No. 11).
The Kings will play the Orlando Magic on Saturday, March 29, at the Kia Center. The tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET.
Watching other teams dismantle the kings is heartbreaking! Ahead by double figures at half time to lose by double figures! Play the whole team and make everyone apart of team! NO STARS IN CONTROL, A. WD40 APT.