Kings, Hornets Hold Preliminary Talks on Domantas Sabonis
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League sources told The Athletic’s Sam Amick that the Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Hornets have recently discussed a trade centered on center Domantas Sabonis, reviving conversations that were previously denied during the season.
According to the report, no agreement is close and a deal before this month’s NBA draft remains unlikely. Sacramento is believed to be seeking one of Charlotte’s two first-round selections—Nos. 14 and 18—in any package for the 30-year-old three-time All-Star. The Hornets, however, prefer to keep those picks and revisit negotiations after the draft.
Sabonis’ health and contract
Sabonis appeared in only 19 games in 2025/26 after tearing the meniscus in his left knee last November. He tried a non-surgical rehabilitation and returned in mid-January, but played just eight of the Kings’ 15 games before the All-Star break and ultimately underwent season-ending surgery in February. In limited action he averaged 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists over 29.7 minutes.
The Lithuanian native carries a $42.3 million cap hit for 2025/26 and is owed $45.5 million the following season. To match salaries, Charlotte would need to send out significant contracts, with forward Miles Bridges ($22.8 million in the final year of his deal) and expiring agreements for Josh Green ($14.7 million) and Grant Williams ($14.3 million) considered potential trade pieces.
Background and market dynamics
Since being acquired by Sacramento in 2022, Sabonis has averaged 19.0 points, 13.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists, earning All-NBA Third Team honors in 2023 and 2024 while leading the league in rebounding from 2023 through 2025. He was linked to the Toronto Raptors ahead of the 2026 trade deadline, but the Kings reportedly balked at taking back Jakob Poeltl’s long-term contract. Rival executives now expect Sacramento—seeking salary-cap flexibility—to explore Sabonis offers again this offseason.
Charlotte received solid 2025/26 minutes at center from youngsters Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner, yet neither provides the scoring or playmaking Sabonis offers, making the veteran an intriguing target despite his recent injury history.
Source: Hoops Rumors
