Kings ready to part ways with Sabonis? Sacramento's future after DeRozan deal and rookie Acuff

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Sacramento Kings have no intention of extending the contract of Lithuanian center Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis is earning over $40 million annually for the next two seasons, and his contract expires in the summer of 2028. Windhorst adds that he is a strong candidate to be traded. Sabonis has been with Sacramento for more than four seasons, since he was acquired from the Indiana Pacers in the trade that sent Tyrese Haliburton midway through the 2026-22 season. Last season, the 30-year-old big man averaged just 15.8 points per game, his lowest since the 2026-19 season (14.1). With the Kings planning a full rebuild, the departure of DeMar DeRozan and the arrival of rookie Darius Acuff – the 7th overall pick in the 2026 Draft – indicate the team is prioritizing young talent. Sabonis, at 30, no longer fits into the long-term plans. Sacramento is looking to move his large contract to free up cap space and acquire pieces better suited for modern basketball. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, and Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly monitoring the situation. With elite rebounding and passing skills, Sabonis remains a top center, but his defensive limitations and lack of outside shooting make him a questionable cornerstone for a contending team. If the trade goes through, the Kings will gain additional draft picks and young players to build around Acuff. This could be a major turning point, steering Sacramento back toward competitiveness after years of uncertainty.