NBA Rumors: The team Domantas Sabonis could finally join
The Lithuanian center was one of the most sought-after players until recently, although now it seems that not as many teams are interested in him, and he could end up with the Charlotte Hornets
The Sacramento Kings have been exploring the possibility of trading Domantas Sabonis throughout the season. The three-time All-Star was on the market all season, although no deal was finalized before the trade deadline.
However, the franchise continues to work on finding a solution during the summer, with a willingness to engage in negotiations in the coming months.
According to Michael A. Scotto of HoopsHype, the Kings have had discussions with the Charlotte Hornets for a trade centered around the Lithuanian center.
The proposed deal
The discussed exchange between both franchises would send Domantas Sabonis to Charlotte.
In return, Sacramento would receive Miles Bridges, Josh Green, and a first-round Draft pick.
Charlotte's interest in strengthening the center position
According to Scotto, the Hornets have considered adding a starting center of higher caliber after a season where the team made significant progress.
Charlotte closed the past season with 44 victories, a 25-win improvement from the previous season, the franchise's largest leap in history.
Bridges, with a contract worth 22.83 million dollars, and Green, earning 14.68 million, are heading into the 2026-27 season as the final year of their respective deals. Including both players would be necessary to balance financially a trade that involves taking on the 45 million dollars Sabonis is set to earn next season.
Furthermore, the center still has an additional season on his contract after that.
Sabonis, the boost the franchise is seeking
The Hornets boast a young and promising roster led by LaMelo Ball at point guard, rookie sensation Kon Knueppel at shooting guard, and Brandon Miller, one of the team's emerging figures, at small forward.
However, the center position appears as one of the areas with the most room for improvement. In that regard, Scotto points out that Sabonis would represent a significant upgrade over Moussa Diabate.
Sacramento's reasons for accepting the trade
From the Kings' perspective, the trade would help alleviate the franchise's financial situation by taking on two expiring contracts.
Moreover, there is a previous link between Sacramento's current general manager, Scott Perry, and Miles Bridges. Perry was part of the New York Knicks' front office when they were contemplating selecting Bridges over Kevin Knox in the 2018 Draft.
Additionally, both Perry and Bridges have ties to the state of Michigan, an additional factor linking the executive to the player who could arrive in Sacramento in this trade.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores NBA: El equipo al que podría llegar finalmente Domantas Sabonis
