NBA Rumors: The two heavyweights of the Eastern Conference who want Domantas Sabonis
The Sacramento Kings are in a serious crisis and could lose their stars, with the Lithuanian possibly being the first to pack his bags
The start of the season for the Sacramento Kings threatens to lead the team to a point of no return. With a concerning 3-11 record and a star trio — Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine — that doesn't quite fit, league sources claim that several teams are already gearing up for the possibility of a deep rebuild within the Californian franchise.
As reported by journalist Matt Moore (FanSided), two teams could emerge as candidates if Sabonis were to become available: the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Atlanta Hawks. Moore emphasized that this is a speculative idea, not based on active negotiations.
Although nothing is imminent, Moore recalled that the Cavaliers have had several discussions with Sacramento in recent years. Among them, discussions related to Jarrett Allen and even three-team trade structures involving New Orleans during the last season.
The reasoning is simple: Cleveland has always been willing to make significant moves if it means a quality leap, and Sabonis — an elite offensive generator, excellent rebounder, and creator from pick-and-roll situations — fits that profile.
However, the fit is not straightforward. Sabonis presents defensive challenges in high-stakes playoff scenarios, and Cleveland already has a small backcourt formed by Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, increasing the exterior defensive pressure.
The counterargument to that is that the Cavs could rely on Evan Mobley, with his elite-level defensive versatility, to cover Sabonis' deficiencies, much like Sacramento has tried to do with its help structures. Offensively, a Mobley-Sabonis pairing would form one of the best passing frontcourt duos in the entire NBA.
Atlanta, a dark horse option... once they solve Trae Young's future
The Hawks also loom on the horizon, but only if the franchise finally addresses the pressing question that has been hovering over the organization: what to do with Trae Young?
Moore mentioned a possible star exchange between Young and Sabonis as a conceptual scenario, not an ongoing operation. Still, he pointed out that the idea of pairing Sabonis with Kristaps Porziņģis, Atlanta's recent addition, could be very appealing to their front office.
With Porziņģis as a rim-protecting shooter and a roster full of defenders, Sabonis' weaknesses could be better covered than in other teams.
However, there are still several unknowns. If Atlanta goes for an interior duo of Sabonis-KP, what would happen to Jalen Johnson when he returns from injury? Who would assume the role off the bench?
Currently, there are no active negotiations, but Sacramento's downward trajectory has caught the attention of several teams. While the Kings sink, Cleveland and Atlanta are watching closely, waiting for the right moment if the team decides to put Sabonis on the market.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores NBA: Los dos pesos pesados de la Conferencia Este que quieren a Domantas Sabonis
