Brooklyn targets a frontcourt revolution by landing playmaking hub Domantas Sabonis, while Charlotte secures a defensive anchor in Nic Claxton to fuel this blockbuster three-team proposal.
Trade talks involving the Brooklyn Nets have included Michael Porter Jr., but NBA analyst Jake Weinbach crafted a trade centered around Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis.
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.
Sacramento ducks under the luxury tax and saves money, while Brooklyn strengthens its front court with the Sabonis acquisition. The "3-2-1" lottery, an anti-tanking reform, and the Houston Rockets' own the 2027 Nets swap encourage the team to build a competitive roster.
Sabonis is a three-time All-Star and a playmaking hub at the forward position. He was limited to 19 games this season due to season-ending surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee.
The 6-foot-10 forward said he was ahead of the rehab schedule in his exit interview on April 13, as his "Wolverine healing powers have started to kick in." Sabonis and Porter Jr. could make a formidable front court with the Nets.
Porter Jr. is a 6-foot-10 sniper who can shoot the ball off the catch or off movement. Sabonis is a great playmaker for his size, offering versatility in dribble handoffs or making high-level reads.
It would be a recreation of the dynamic Porter Jr. had with Nikola Jokić playing for the Denver Nuggets. Sabonis would instantly become the best rebounder on Brooklyn's roster.
He averaged 11.4 rebounds in 19 games this season and has averaged over 11 rebounds for seven straight seasons. The Nets were the worst rebounding team this season, grabbing 39.3 rebounds per game.
Claxton heading to Charlotte will strengthen its center rotation with Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner. The 6-foot-11 center would add another lob threat for LaMelo Ball and Coby White.
The Hornets would also pay Claxton less money in the final year of his deal. Claxton will earn $21.1 million before he enters 2027 free agency.
Weinbach's trade lands an All-Star for Brooklyn, but Sabonis' contract bites into the Nets' cap space a bit. Spotrac's Keith Smith projected the team to have $44.6 million in cap space this summer.
Sabonis will earn $45.47 million next season and $48.6 million in 2027. His large contract could encourage Brooklyn to ask for draft compensation in return.
Acquiring Sabonis could be key for the Nets to have a competitive season next year, and potentially make the play-in.
