Facing soaring payrolls and injury concerns, Sacramento may swap their All-Star center for cap relief as standout rookie Maxime Raynaud prepares to take over the Kings' frontcourt.
The Sacramento Kings have some big decisions to make this offseason, possessing significant draft capital and looming pay days for aging stars.
Both Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis are in for big-time pay days, with the pair in line for nearly $100 million this upcoming season.
However, with Sabonis on a two-year deal, and coming off of a significant injury, Sacramento may look to move the 3-time All-Star.
NBA insider Evan Sidery identified the former lottery pick as a potential trade candidate on March 20, noting his hefty price tag and the development of rookie big man Maxime Raynaud.
Sabonis appeared in just 19 games last season before suffering a torn meniscus, setting off the unfortunate cycle of injuries for the Kings.
In a small sample size, Sabonis did post 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 long balls before getting injured.
With Sabonis' injury concerns and Raynaud's strong debut season, the Kings may look to move off their four-year starter before its too late.
Handing the reigns to Raynaud would allow the second-rounder to grow into his larger role, while also opening up cap space.
Raynaud was recently named to the All-Rookie Second Team, nearly sneaking onto the first.
The No. 42 overall pick was the lone second round pick represented on either team, outplaying his original standing.
Raynaud averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, recording a rookie-class best 18 double-doubles.
The 7-foot-1 Stanford product really came into his own after the All-Star Break, earning Rookie of the Month honors in March.
The Kings have also been linked to front court prospects in this year's upcoming draft, including St. John's forward Zuby Ejiofor.
In Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor's latest mock, Ejiofor landed with Sacramento at pick No. 45.
Roundtable's Demetrius Montero highlighted what the Red Storm standout could bring to the Kings' front court earlier this month.
"Ejiofor is fresh off winning the unanimous Big East Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Tournament MVP," Montero wrote. "The 6-foot-9 forward runs the floor hard in transition and can attack the baseline in the post either facing up or spinning off his defender's momentum. He averaged 16.3 points, including back-to-back 20-point games in the Big East tournament."
This range in the draft is filled with intriguing big men talents like Ejiofor, including Arkansas' Trevon Brazile, and Tennessee's Felix Okpara.
With emerging front court talent already in place and more potentially arriving through the draft, Sacramento may be better served looking toward the future instead of doubling down on an aging Sabonis.
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