With a massive payroll and rising rookie talent, Sacramento may move their All-Star center. Discover which West rivals possess the assets to land the versatile big man.
The Sacramento Kings' front office has nearly $100 million due this upcoming season for veteran guard Zach LaVine and longtime big starting big man Domantas Sabonis, making both potential trade targets.
With LaVine's player option, he becomes difficult to see being dealt, as a team likely doesn't want to pick up his expensive 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 front court prospects scattered throughout the second round, providing the Kings opportunity to go big with picks No. 34 and 45.
In this piece, I will showcase three teams in the Western Conference who could benefit from Sabonis and have the capital to potentially make a move.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns have been in desperate need of consistent front court production since moving former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton.
Sabonis would help Devin Booker play off the ball more, while giving Phoenix the option to play the 3-time All-Star next to young center Mark Williams.
Former Duke big Khaman Maluach could be a target for the Kings in return, giving Sacramento a high-upside 7-footer on a cheap, rookie deal.
Maluach was limited in his rookie season, but showed flashes of interior dominance.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves need 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.
Donte DiVincenzo or Randle could be beneficial for Sacramento, providing consistent production and experience.
Memphis Grizzlies
A split seems inevitable for the Grizzlies and former No. 2 overall pick Ja Morant, making them an instant candidate for trades this offseason.
Memphis has a lot of areas to address, but Sabonis would provide balance in the front court, playing alongside the towering Zach Edey.
Outside of Morant, the Grizzlies have plenty of draft compensation in the future to add to deals.
Vince Williams Jr. or GG Jackson could be on the move as well, with the Grizzlies beginning to identify which young wings, alongside Cedric Coward, they would like to build around.
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