As the NBA trade deadline looms, the Sacramento Kings find themselves at a familiar crossroads - weighing the future of their core against the temptation of a roster shake-up. For a moment, it looked like the Kings might go full reset, with reports suggesting a potential fire sale that included the possibility of moving All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis. But as the clock winds down, Sacramento appears to be pulling back from that ledge.
According to multiple reports, the Kings are now expected to hold onto Sabonis past the deadline. Talks with the Toronto Raptors - once considered the most serious suitor - have reportedly stalled, with Sacramento no longer viewing that path as viable. The deal, once discussed with real traction, has now “flat-lined,” per team sources.
Toronto’s interest in Sabonis was no secret. The Raptors were hoping to land a centerpiece talent to help reshape their roster, and Sabonis fit the bill - a skilled, physical presence in the paint who can facilitate offense and rebound at an elite level. But Sacramento’s reluctance to take on long-term salary commitments, which may have been part of Toronto’s offer, has put the brakes on those talks.
And it wasn’t just Toronto circling. The Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, and Phoenix Suns were also keeping tabs on Sabonis, each intrigued by what the 27-year-old could bring to a playoff push or a long-term rebuild. He’s been that good - and that consistent - since arriving in Sacramento in 2022.
The sticking point in trade talks? Draft capital.
Sacramento reportedly wanted at least one first-round pick in any deal involving Sabonis. That became a hurdle in negotiations with Toronto, especially as the Raptors were also exploring ways to move center Jakob Poeltl in a multi-team deal.
According to reports, one version of the trade would’ve sent RJ Barrett and Ochai Agbaji to Sacramento, but concerns over parting with too many future assets ultimately caused talks to stall.
Sabonis has played in just 18 games this season due to a torn meniscus, but his impact has still been felt. He’s averaging 15.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists - numbers that speak to his versatility and importance on both ends of the floor. Even in a limited sample size, he’s continued to anchor the Kings’ frontcourt, providing the kind of all-around production that’s hard to replace.
For Sacramento, the decision to keep Sabonis signals a desire to stay competitive in the short term rather than tear things down. It’s a vote of confidence in the current core, and perhaps a sign that the Kings believe they’re closer to contention than outsiders might think. Sabonis remains a foundational piece - not just for what he does on the stat sheet, but for the identity he’s helped build in Sacramento.
With the deadline just hours away, anything can still happen. But for now, it looks like Sabonis isn’t going anywhere - and the Kings are choosing continuity over chaos.