The veteran forward will miss the rest of the 2025-26 season, which could very well mean the end of his Kings run. Here are the reasons.
The Sacramento Kings will turn to Maxime Raynaud for inside duties moving forward. All amid the big news involving Domantas Sabonis -- which could very well impact his future here too.
NBA insider Chris Haynes revealed that Sabonis underwent season-ending knee surgery, which officially wipes away his regular season. Meanwhile, ESPN insider Shams Charnia added how Sabonis tried playing on a previous injury.
"Sabonis rehabbed the meniscus tear during the season and tried to play through the injury before having surgery now," Charnia posted on the social media website X, formerly known as Twitter.
Raynaud will once again step in for the role Sabonis bequeaths. But now a new question arises -- is this officially the end for Sabonis in Sacramento? Time to dive into why.
Sacramento Attempted to Trade Sabonis
Let's remember that the Kings explored making a deal involving Sabonis.
Talks never fell through, more so involving the Toronto Raptors in a now botched trade.
However, there were theories after the NBA Trade Deadline that the Kings and Raptors would reconnect again -- this time around NBA Draft time. Teams can resume trades during the June period.
And that leads into the next factor involving Sabonis.
Kings Boosting Lottery Position?
One NBA insider covering a potential contender for the top pick in the NBA Draft weighed in on the Kings' situation.
Nets insider Erik Slater of ClutchPoints follows a team that looks in position to land a top five pick too -- let alone possibly pursue the No. 1 selection.
"The Kings shut down Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine. The Jazz shut down Jaren Jackson Jr. The Wizards have basically shut down Trae Young and Anthony Davis. Same for the Pacers with Ivica Zubac. All teams competing with Nets for lottery position. How does Brooklyn respond?" Slater posted on X.
However, teams like the Nets and Kings are under new scrutiny across the league.
Tanking has become a hot topic and now, a punishable fine by the league office. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has already brought the hammer down on the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers -- fining both a combined $600,000.
What Kings Should do Next
Considering the state of the roster, it's time for Sabonis to look elsewhere. and sever ties here.
Sacramento isn't built for veterans like himself, or even DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook. General manager Scott Perry and head coach Doug Christie have clearly built a young player movement here -- making this roster more for Raynaud and first round selection Nique Clifford.
And this team will only position itself to go after Cam Boozer, Darryn Peterson, Kingston Flemings or the projected top pick AJ Dybantsa. But Sabonis is better off resetting elsewhere.
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