Sacramento targets financial flexibility by shipping its three-time All-Star to Brooklyn in a complex three-team swap, netting versatile defenders and future draft capital to reshape the roster.
The noise around the Sacramento Kings trading Domantas Sabonis is getting louder, and NBA analyst Jake Weinbach crafted a trade idea that sends the three-time All-Star to the Brooklyn Nets.
Weinbach's idea is a three-team trade between the Charlotte Hornets, Nets and Kings. His trade sends Sabonis to the Nets, Nicolas Claxton to the Hornets and Terance Mann, Josh Green and two future second-round picks (via Charlotte) to the Kings.
The three-team trade does not work in the current fiscal year because Claxton, who's earning $25.5 million this season, puts Charlotte over the first apron. His contract descends to $23.3 million on July 1, when the new fiscal year begins, making the trade possible.
Weinbach notes Sacramento will duck under the luxury tax, save money and gain cap flexibility. General manager Scott Perry is prioritizing opening more cap space and getting younger this offseason.
Receiving Mann, Green and two future second-round picks is a solid return for Sabonis. Green is 25 years old and will enter the final year of his three-year, $41 million rookie-scale extension he signed with the Dallas Mavericks.
The 6-foot-6 guard is a career 38.7% three-point shooter and can guard at the point of attack. Green is a versatile defender capable of guarding smaller, shifty guards or taller, physical wings. He can navigate screens and is disruptive in the passing lanes, as he averaged 1.1 steals in the 2024-25 season.
Mann, a seven-year veteran, possesses a similar skill set. He is a career 37.1% three-point shooter and can guard multiple positions.
However, the 6-foot-6 guard is entering the second year of his three-year, $47 million extension with the Los Angeles Clippers. Mann will earn $15.5 million next season and $16 million in 2027-28.
The two future second-round picks are nice draft compensation to use in other trades or draft another gem like Maxime Raynaud. Depending on the years, those picks could recoup capital the Kings don't have from 2028 to 2031.
Sabonis joining the Nets would boost their front court, especially with Claxton going to the Hornets. The three-time All-Star is an excellent rebounder and playmaker, and can mentor the young players.
He and Michael Porter Jr., if not traded, could form a formidable duo in Brooklyn. The team must build a competitive roster, given the Houston Rockets own its 2027 swap.
Weinbach's trade idea is realistic, given the Kings want to shed salary, meaning Sabonis and Zach LaVine are on the chopping block as the highest-paid players. However, with Sabonis having an additional year on his contract, teams could ask for pick compensation.
Overall, the Kings' sending Sabonis to the Nets in Weinbach's trade would be a positive step toward gaining more cap flexibility and getting younger.
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