Why Phoenix Suns Should Not Pursue Domantas Sabonis

Phoenix Suns basketball is right around the corner. 

The 2026-27 season is set to start with training camp later this month, with hopes of returning to the playoffs firmly in sight. 

The Suns - under the leadership of GM Brian Gregory - are looking for ways to upgrade the roster, without necessarily sacrificing the future of the franchise. 

A name that is frequently floated in trade conversations for Phoenix is none other than Sacramento Kings C Domantas Sabonis.

Sabonis, 30, has the potential to be a strong fit for the Suns in a myriad of ways. Among these is his elite rebounding ability. The 6'10" forward averages nearly 3.0 offensive rebounds per game for his career, and is frequently at the very top of the league in rebounding percentage. This inherently creates numerous scoring opportunities that may not exist in Phoenix's current ecosystem.

Sabonis is also a solid offensive hub that has potential to fit well alongside Suns' star Devin Booker, as well as other Phoenix guards. The Lithuanian big man also has the versatility as a scorer to play both the four and the five, leaving more flexibility for head coach Jordan Ott when it comes to building out rotations.

Potential drawbacks that make this idea a less appealing one are abundant as well. The Gonzaga product is owed over $94 million over the next two seasons. This would force Phoenix to part with core key pieces and would also result in committing to a player coming off of recovering from a major knee injury. It would simply be more challenging to build out a well-rounded roster in this case.

Sabonis' inconsistent outside game would also be a concern. It can be presumed that Mark Williams would be part of this trade, but Sabonis would still be unplayable alongside third-year C/F Oso Ighodaro. It would ultimately add to Phoenix's concerns as a shooting ecosystem heading into the year. 

Perhaps the most vital piece of information is Sabonis' lack of polish on the defensive side of the ball. He is too small to guard pure centers, and is typically too slow-footed to be trusted on the perimeter. His limitations showed out in full force in Sacramento's 2023 playoff defeat at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. 

This is ultimately an intriguing avenue for the Suns to explore, but the risks outweigh the upside at this point in time.