Kings Weighing Options on Keeping Domantas Sabonis Despite Trade Offers

NBA insider Marc Stein outlines scenarios that could lead Sacramento to retain the All-Star big man this offseason.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 5:20pm

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The Sacramento Kings are not guaranteed to trade Domantas Sabonis this offseason, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. Stein reported that the Kings' decision on Sabonis' future could depend on their draft lottery results in May and who they are able to select. The team fielded trade offers for Sabonis ahead of the February trade deadline, but a good draft position could lead them to keep the former All-Star big man.

Why it matters

Sabonis is a key part of the Kings' roster, and his potential departure would be a significant loss for the struggling franchise. However, the team's long-term plans may hinge on their ability to land a top prospect in the draft, which could make Sabonis expendable. This offseason will be crucial for the Kings as they look to chart a path forward.

The details

The Kings were reportedly in trade discussions involving Sabonis prior to the February trade deadline, with the Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors expressing interest. However, those talks did not result in a deal, and Sabonis remains with the Kings. Stein noted that the Raptors' offers involved long-term money that Sacramento was reluctant to take on. The Kings' decision on Sabonis' future could come down to their draft lottery position in May, as a high pick could lead them to keep Sabonis, while a lower selection could prompt a trade and a rebuild.

  • The Kings fielded trade offers for Domantas Sabonis ahead of the February 5th trade deadline.
  • Sabonis was ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 season with a knee injury.

The players

Domantas Sabonis

A former All-Star big man for the Sacramento Kings who has two seasons remaining on a $186 million contract.

Marc Stein

An NBA insider who reported on the Kings' potential plans for Domantas Sabonis this offseason.

Washington Wizards

A team that expressed interest in trading for Domantas Sabonis prior to the February trade deadline.

Toronto Raptors

A team that made pitches to the Kings involving Domantas Sabonis, but Sacramento was reluctant to take on the long-term money in those offers.

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What they’re saying

“It is not seen as a certainty, according to one source briefed on the process, that the Kings will try again in the offseason to trade Domantas Sabonis after fielding in-season trade offers for the former All-Star big man.”

— Marc Stein, NBA Insider

What’s next

The Kings' decision on Domantas Sabonis' future will likely come down to the results of the May NBA Draft Lottery, as a high pick could lead them to keep Sabonis, while a lower selection could prompt a trade and a rebuild.

The takeaway

The Kings' handling of the Domantas Sabonis situation this offseason will be a crucial decision for the franchise, as they weigh the long-term value of keeping the All-Star big man versus potentially moving him to acquire a top draft prospect and start a rebuild.