As Sacramento weighs Domantas Sabonis’s future against a rising luxury tax bill, three Eastern Conference suitors emerge with the assets and roster holes to land the All-Star center.
The Sacramento Kings' front office has some decisions to make with looming paydays for veteran guard Zach LaVine and longtime big starting big man Domantas Sabonis.
With LaVine's player option in effect, he is more difficult to see being moved, as a team likely doesn't want to pick up his lucrative contract as a one-year loan.
Sabonis, on the other hand, has two years remaining on his deal, coming back from a torn meniscus.
NBA insider Evan Sidery identified the former lottery pick as a potential trade candidate for Sacramento on March 20, noting his hefty price tag and the development of rookie big man Maxime Raynaud.
The upcoming Draft also has big men prospects scattered throughout the second round, providing the Kings opportunity to improve in the front court with picks No. 34 and 45.
In this piece, I will highlight three teams in the Eastern Conference who could benefit from Sabonis and have the capital to potentially make a move.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors need an offensive-minded big man to compliment their do-it-all forward Scottie Barnes.
Current starting center Jakob Poeltl struggled immensely in their losing playoff series, being played off the court by the Cleveland Cavaliers' big men.
For Sacramento, the Raptors have multiple young players that could be intriguing, including RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.
HoopsHype's Michael Scotto also reported that Toronto has had interest in Sabonis since last summer.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets desperately need to make a move for front court talent to supplement its young, exciting core.
Charlotte showed flashes of competitiveness towards the end of the season, rallying around rookie Kon Knueppel, LaMelo Ball, and Brandon Miller.
Sabonis would fit the Hornets' fast, 3-point heavy scheme, as the 3-time All-Star can initiate offense from the perimeter.
The Hornets would also have the cap space to pay Sabonis down the line, benefiting from Miller and Knueppel's rookie contracts.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls have a lot of holes to fill, but their salary dump at the deadline and messages from new ownership have pointed towards an aggressive offseason.
Chicago does not have a starting-caliber center on the roster in the present, and could look to address the front court with the No. 4 or No. 15 overall picks.
But, neither Cameron Boozer or Caleb Wilson project as 5-men at the next level, leaving the Bulls with a big hole at the center position.
Sabonis would pair nicely with point guard Josh Giddey and young forward Matas Buzelis, who have seemingly been prioritized as Chicago's nucleus going forward.
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