Domantas Sabonis might be in line for a return to the Eastern Conference.
The Charlote Hornets could be in the mix to trade for the Sacramento Kings big man Sabonis, Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reported on Tuesday. Fischer notes though that the Kings would like to get “positive trade value” back for Sabonis, which may complicate the prospects of any such deal.
Sabonis, 30, has been with Sacramento since 2022. He has had a productive run for the Kings, making two All-NBA teams, earning one All-Star nod, and leading the league in rebounding three times.
But Sabonis now reportedly wants out of Sacramento after a nightmare 2025-26 season in which the team went 22-60. Sabonis recently even made a notable hire to potentially orchestrate his exit from the Kings.
The Hornets, meanwhile, are somewhat weak in the frontcourt after trading Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns in July. While Charlotte did get Naz Reid back as part of their blockbuster trade of LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves, they need some more size and rebounding to help balance out their roster.
Of course, Sabonis is still owed a hefty $94.1 million over the next two seasons, meaning that Sacramento’s desire to get positive value back for him may be a non-starter. But Sabonis has been a trade candidate for a significant period of time now, so the rebuilding Kings may end up being forced to move him at some point.
