The Sacramento Kings might be heading toward a roster shakeup, and while Domantas Sabonis is drawing interest around the league, moving him won’t be simple. The veteran big man has become a centerpiece in Sacramento, but the combination of his contract and current injury status makes any potential deal more complicated than most.
According to league sources, Sabonis has indeed attracted attention on the trade market - no surprise given his production and presence in the paint. But here’s the wrinkle: he’s under contract through the 2027-28 season, with $94 million owed over the next two years. That’s a hefty price tag, and it naturally limits the number of teams that can realistically make a move for him.
Still, there are suitors. Teams like the Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns, and Chicago Bulls have reportedly shown interest in the past and remain in the mix. All three are in different stages of building or retooling, and a player like Sabonis - who brings rebounding, playmaking, and toughness - could be a difference-maker in the right situation.
But for now, Sabonis isn’t packing his bags. The expectation is that he’ll remain in Sacramento for the foreseeable future, and that’s partly due to his injury status.
He’s been sidelined since November 19 with a partial tear of his left meniscus and is set to be re-evaluated soon. That kind of injury clouds the trade outlook - not just because of the health risk, but because teams want to see how he recovers before making a major financial and roster commitment.
Interestingly, Sabonis isn’t even the most discussed Kings player in trade circles at the moment. That title goes to fourth-year guard Keon Ellis.
Around the league, Ellis has become a hot name - even if he hasn’t been a consistent fixture in Sacramento’s rotation. He’s played 20-plus minutes just once in the past 11 games and even logged a DNP-CD (Did Not Play - Coach’s Decision) during that stretch.
Despite the limited playing time, Ellis’ value around the league is rising. He’s shown flashes of being a strong two-way contributor, and rival teams are clearly intrigued.
The big question is whether Sacramento’s asking price will be too high to make a deal work. There’s also the possibility of an extension - Ellis becomes eligible on February 9 - which could be a path to keeping him in Sacramento long-term if both sides see eye to eye.
Beyond Sabonis and Ellis, the Kings’ name continues to come up in broader trade conversations. Players like Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Malik Monk have all been linked to trade rumors across the league. Sacramento GM Monte McNair and head coach Mike Brown have a lot to consider, especially as the Kings try to balance competing now with building for sustained success.
Sacramento isn’t in full teardown mode - at least not yet - but the phones are ringing. And while Sabonis might not be the first domino to fall, there’s no doubt that the Kings are a team to watch closely as the trade deadline approaches.