Sacramento seeks salary relief and a frontcourt reset following an injury-plagued season, putting the three-time All-Star on the block as versatile suitors across both conferences emerge.
Following the end of the Sacramento Kings' injury-riddled, disappointing season, the front office has immediately been hit with some big decisions regarding aging stars on big contracts.
I have recently covered both Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, who are in line to make nearly $100 million combined this upcoming season, as potential players the Kings could look to move.
On Saturday, NBA Reporter Jake Fischer confirmed that the longtime Kings big man will likely be on the block, as Sacramento looks to free up some cap space and capitalize on rookie big man Maxime Raynaud's success.
"The Kings' former All-Star center is another name, behind Antetokounmpo and Memphis' Ja Morant, that league executives are projecting to be made available once again as part of this summer's trade landscape," Fischer wrote. "Sacramento is known to be looking to shed some significant salary if it can this offseason and seems likely to field more interest in Sabonis than other veterans."
Sabonis appeared in just 19 games last season before suffering a torn meniscus, setting off the unfortunate cycle of injuries for Sacramento.
In a small sample size, Sabonis posted a slight decrease in production, averaging his lowest points and rebounds per game since the 2019-2020 season.
Sabonis' shooting splits also took a dip, struggling immensely from 3-point range.
After posting the most successful 3-point shooting season of his career, Sabonis made just 5-of-27 attempts from deep before getting injured.
While these numbers are not ideal for the Kings to boost Sabonis' trade value, teams looking to get more versatile on offense would love to make a move for the 3-time All-Star.
I recently highlighted some teams that could be interested from the Eastern Conference, including the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors.
Both of these franchises made impressive strides last season, but need more help in the front court, especially on the glass.
In the Western Conference, the Memphis Grizzlies or Minnesota Timberwolves could be interested.
Minnesota needs to make a change in the front court after Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs put Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert in defensive purgatory.
Jaden McDaniels' versatility and length would help supplement Sabonis' defensive shortcomings, while allowing Anthony Edwards to play alongside his best offensive center since Karl Anthony-Towns.
The Los Angeles Lakers are another team to keep an eye on, as LeBron James' status is up and the air, and Austin Reaves may be on the move.
For the Kings, moving off Sabonis would allow Raynaud to step into a full-time starting role, while giving the team more financial flexibility down the line.
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