Kings Trade Rumors: Sabonis Talks Heat Up, But Will Sacramento Pull the Trigger?
With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching on February 5, the Sacramento Kings find themselves at a familiar crossroads: stuck between ambition and hesitation. The chatter is growing louder, but as of now, the Kings haven’t made a move. That doesn’t mean the phones aren’t ringing.
According to recent reports, Sacramento has been engaged in trade discussions involving All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis. And they’re not just fielding calls-they're setting a price.
The Kings have reportedly told at least one team that they’d want a first-round pick in return for Sabonis. That’s a significant ask, but not an unreasonable one, given Sabonis' production and leadership role in Sacramento.
Several teams have shown interest, including the Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns, and Washington Wizards. Each of those franchises brings a different level of urgency and a different set of assets to the table.
Let’s break it down:
Raptors in the Mix
Toronto owns its 2026 first-round pick and currently sits fourth in the Eastern Conference. That pick would likely fall in the back half of the round, but the Raptors have reportedly discussed names like RJ Barrett and Ochai Agbaji in talks for Sabonis.
That’s a signal they’re at least exploring meaningful upgrades. However, Sacramento has reportedly pushed back on including Jakob Poeltl, citing concerns over his back issues, and Immanuel Quickley, whose long-term contract may not align with the Kings’ cap strategy.
Bulls Have Picks-and a Path
Chicago is another team that could make sense. They own their own 2026 first-rounder and also hold a protected pick from Portland (top-14 protected).
The Bulls are currently ninth in the East, and the Blazers are ninth in the West, so both picks have value-but with caveats. If the Blazers' pick stays in the lottery, it won’t convey.
Still, the Bulls have some flexibility and incentive to shake things up.
Suns and Wizards? Not So Fast
While the Suns and Wizards have been linked to Sabonis, the latest word is that neither team is expected to make a serious push.
Phoenix is reportedly unlikely to make a major splash, and their 2026 first-round pick comes with some complicated protections. They only keep it if it’s worse than Washington’s pick or if the Wizards’ pick lands in the top 8 (and is protected). That uncertainty makes it tough to build a clean trade package.
As for Washington, the Wizards seem to be looking ahead. League sources say they view Alex Sarr as their center of the future.
They had brief conversations about Sabonis before acquiring Trae Young, but they’re not currently inclined to pursue a deal. If they were going to absorb Sabonis’ contract, it would’ve taken more incentive than what’s currently on the table.
Other Names in Play: Keon Ellis, DeMar DeRozan
Beyond Sabonis, the Kings are also reportedly floating Keon Ellis and DeMar DeRozan in trade talks. DeRozan’s name being included is notable, considering his veteran presence and scoring ability. Pairing him with Ellis-a young, promising 3-and-D guard-could be Sacramento’s way of sweetening a deal or clearing the books, depending on the return.
What’s Next?
The Kings are in a delicate position. They’ve got a roster that’s competitive, but not quite elite. Sabonis is a cornerstone, but if Sacramento believes they can get younger, deeper, or more versatile by moving him, now’s the time to act.
The clock is ticking. The trade deadline is less than a week away, and if the Kings are serious about making a leap in the West, they’ll need to decide whether to double down on their current core-or shake things up in a major way.
The rumors are flying. Now we wait to see if Sacramento finally pulls the trigger.