As the NBA trade rumor mill heats up ahead of February’s deadline, one name now entering the conversation is Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis - and the Phoenix Suns have reportedly shown interest. But based on where the Suns are right now, both in terms of on-court identity and long-term roster building, a move for Sabonis might not just be unnecessary - it could be a step in the wrong direction.
Sacramento’s Shift Signals Rebuild
The Kings signaled a dramatic pivot when they sent De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio in exchange for a package heavy on draft capital. That kind of move typically marks the transition from retooling to rebuilding, and it appears Sacramento is leaning into that direction. With veterans like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan already swirling in trade speculation, it’s not surprising that Sabonis - a three-time All-Star and one of the league’s most skilled passing big men - is now being mentioned as a possible trade chip.
According to reports, Phoenix and Washington are among the teams keeping tabs on Sabonis. For the Suns, any potential deal would likely revolve around 24-year-old center Mark Williams and injured guard Jalen Green - two of the team’s most intriguing young pieces.
Why a Sabonis Trade Doesn’t Align with Phoenix’s Identity
Let’s start with the obvious: Domantas Sabonis is a talented offensive player. He’s a walking double-double, an elite rebounder, and one of the best passing bigs in the NBA. But for the Suns, who are finally establishing a defensive identity under first-year head coach Jordan Ott, swapping out Williams for Sabonis could undo a lot of the progress they’ve made.
Last season, Phoenix’s defense was near the bottom of the league - 28th in defensive rating at 119.3. This year, they’ve climbed to 16th (115.2), thanks in large part to a revamped roster that includes defensive-minded players like Dillon Brooks and, crucially, Mark Williams.
Williams has been a game-changer on that end. The Suns gave up multiple first-round picks to land the 7-footer, and he’s delivered what they hoped for: rim protection, shot deterrence, and a physical interior presence.
When Williams is on the floor, opponents are scoring at a rate of 112.3 points per 100 possessions. When he sits, that number jumps to 117.9 - a significant swing that highlights just how impactful he’s been anchoring the defense.
Now consider this: Sacramento’s defense, with Sabonis on the court, has been a liability. The Kings allow 128.1 points per 100 possessions when Sabonis plays - nearly 10 points worse than when he’s off the floor (118.5).
That’s not just a red flag; it’s a flashing neon sign. Sabonis may bring offensive polish, but defensively, he’s a step back - and for a Suns team that’s finally finding its defensive footing, that’s a tough sell.
Jalen Green’s Role Still Unwritten
Then there’s Jalen Green, the other key piece in the rumored trade framework. Green hasn’t had a chance to show what he can do in Phoenix yet - and that’s exactly why moving him now would be premature.
Green was the headliner in the deal that sent Kevin Durant packing. He’s only played five regular-season quarters due to a lingering hamstring injury, but in the one full game he suited up for - a November 6 matchup against the Clippers - he reminded everyone why he was the No. 2 overall pick.
Green dropped 29 points on 10-of-20 shooting, including six threes, and added three rebounds, three assists, and two steals. It was a glimpse of what he could bring to the Suns’ backcourt once fully healthy.
At just 23 years old (24 in February), Green still has plenty of room to grow. Shipping him out before he’s even had a real chance to gel with the roster would be, at best, a gamble - and at worst, a misstep that could haunt the Suns down the line.
Sabonis vs. the Suns’ Timeline
Sabonis is under contract through the 2027-28 season, which lines him up with the long-term plans of franchise cornerstone Devin Booker. On paper, that makes sense. But in practice, the fit is murkier.
The Suns are threading a needle right now - building a team that can compete while also developing young talent. Trading away Williams and Green for Sabonis would tilt the balance too far in one direction, sacrificing defensive identity and youth for a player who, while productive, doesn’t solve Phoenix’s current needs.
The Suns are outperforming expectations even without Green in the lineup. They’re defending better, playing with energy, and showing signs that this new core has something worth building around. Before they shake things up, it makes sense to see what this roster looks like at full strength.
For now, Phoenix should stay the course. Let Green get healthy.
Let Williams continue to grow. And let the Suns keep building on a foundation that’s finally starting to look sturdy.