The trade rumors connecting the Charlotte Hornets to star center Domantas Sabonis are swirling again.
Over the last couple of years, the Charlotte Hornets have been connected to potential trade interest in Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis on multiple occasions.
Sabonis has seemingly shown interest in a trade away from the Kings. Should they make him available on the market, the Hornets would make a lot of sense as a potential trade suitor.
Throughout his NBA career, Sabonis has made the All-Star game three times. He is one of the more underrated big men in the league. Adding a player of his caliber would instantly make Charlotte a more serious contender in the Eastern Conference.
Last season in Sacramento, the 30-year-old center played in 19 games and made 15 starts. He averaged 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, while shooting 54.3 percent from the floor.
Unfortunately, injuries hampered him and cut his season short.
Back in the 2024-25 campaign with the Kings, Sabonis put up much bigger numbers. He averaged 19.1 points per game to go along with 13.9 rebounds, and six assists. He also shot 59 percent from the floor and 41.7 percent from three-point range on 2.2 attempts per game.
On September 8th, NBA insider Jake Fischer shared the latest connection between Charlotte and Sabonis.
“Sabonis wants out of Sacramento himself. That seems to be evident by changing agents this summer. He’s extension eligible. In today’s NBA with the second apron, if you are up for an extension, you don’t want to get to free agency. You want to secure that next bag from your team or you want to get traded to the next team that will do that," Fischer said.
Fischer then went on to officially name the Hornets as a potential trade destination.
"Sabonis wants an extension. He had trade interest from the Toronto Raptors. He had trade interest from Charlotte. Both teams were in discussions with Sacramento as recently as this summer. I think Toronto’s talk with the Kings were far more advanced and serious at the deadline. Charlotte is a team that could still be in the mix depending on Sacramento’s trade price.”
If Sabonis actually is available on the trade market, Charlotte should have interest. Currently, the Hornets are projected to start Hannes Steinbach at center.
While no one will take anything away from the talent that Steinbach possesses, Sabonis would be a huge upgrade. Making a trade to acquire him would instantly take Charlotte to the next level.
Expect to continue hearing rumors and speculation connecting the Hornets to Sabonis. The rumors are far from dead following the latest report from Fischer.
