Sabonis’ Future Uncertain as Struggling Kings Face Pressure to Consider Major Changes

The Sacramento Kings are facing another early-season crisis. After entering the year hoping to reestablish themselves as a playoff-caliber team, they instead find themselves near the bottom of the Western Conference at 3–9. It is a familiar and frustrating pattern for a franchise that believed it had turned a corner just two seasons ago. Now, the organization is staring at difficult questions about its direction and long-term viability.

At the center of those questions is the possibility of roster changes, including the future of Domantas Sabonis, the team’s most prominent trade asset. Sacramento once saw Sabonis as the centerpiece of a “win-now” pivot when it dealt Tyrese Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers in 2022. That trade delivered immediate gains, but the momentum has faded, and the Kings are once again searching for answers.

The team’s struggles have amplified frustration among fans, especially as Haliburton has grown into a franchise star and helped push Indiana deep into postseason contention. The contrast has intensified scrutiny on Sacramento’s choices and fueled debate over whether the franchise must take a new direction.

With the season trending toward the Kings’ worst since the Sabonis deal, the prospect of rebuilding is becoming more realistic — and teams around the league have already taken notice.

1. Trade Interest Rising Around the League

Recent reporting from The Athletic has shed light on the rising interest in Sabonis as Sacramento’s season continues to unravel. NBA insider Sam Amick, speaking on the SacTown Sports podcast, noted that several teams have approached the Kings — or signaled willingness to — regarding potential discussions centered around the All-Star forward. Amick also highlighted the Kings’ confidence in Keegan Murray’s value, both internally and around the league. Sacramento’s comfort committing to Murray long-term reflects an understanding that he could play a central role in any future retooling. That recognition, in turn, creates even more flexibility for the organization if it decides to explore moving Sabonis. The fact that teams are already “raising their hand,” as Amick phrased it, signals that Sabonis’ market remains strong despite Sacramento’s downturn. For front offices seeking rebounding, passing, or interior scoring, Sabonis remains an attractive piece — particularly if the Kings decide to pivot toward youth and cap flexibility. Sacramento has not publicly committed to any direction, but with mounting losses and internal evaluation underway, the external pressure is unlikely to fade.

2. Sabonis’ Production and Limitations This Season

On paper, Sabonis remains productive, averaging more than 15 points and 12 rebounds per game while once again posting a double-double nightly. His role as a facilitator and interior scorer remains central to Sacramento’s offense, and his ability to create opportunities for teammates is still a defining part of the team’s system. However, the broader picture reveals concerning trends. Sabonis’ shooting efficiency has dipped significantly, and his overall scoring has declined from previous seasons. The inconsistency has contributed to the team’s offensive volatility and left Sacramento without a reliable secondary option behind De’Aaron Fox. Defensively, Sabonis continues to face scrutiny. The Kings have struggled mightily on that end, allowing 124.5 points per game — the second-worst mark in the league behind only the Brooklyn Nets. Sabonis’ rim protection remains a liability, evidenced by his single block through nine games. His positioning and lack of verticality have hindered Sacramento’s ability to contain penetration or control the paint. These issues have sharpened the debate over whether Sabonis can be the anchor of a competitive roster in a conference loaded with elite big men and dynamic offenses.

3. Sacramento’s Crossroads and the Case for a Rebuild

The Kings’ current trajectory suggests the organization may need to consider broader changes to avoid another prolonged cycle of stagnation. Following their 48-win season and third-place finish after the Sabonis trade, expectations rose sharply. However, since that peak, Sacramento has regressed, leaving many wondering whether the current core can deliver meaningful progress. Compounding the issue is the symbolic weight of the Haliburton trade. Watching Haliburton lead the Pacers to the brink of an NBA championship has heightened pressure on the Kings to justify their choice or chart a new path. If Sacramento cannot compete with its current roster, shifting direction sooner rather than later may be the responsible move. A rebuild centered around Murray, draft capital, and younger complementary pieces could position the team for a more sustainable long-term vision. Moving Sabonis — their most valuable asset — would likely be the first step in such a pivot, unlocking both return value and roster flexibility. For now, the Kings remain committed publicly to trying to salvage their season. But with the losses mounting and interest in their top veteran rising, the franchise’s next decisions could define its outlook for years to come.