The worst-kept secret in the NBA is the fact that the Sacramento Kings want to move Domantas Sabonis. Their latest conversations have been with the Charlotte Hornets, but a deal won't happen before the 2026 NBA Draft. And after the draft, the conversation will be a lot different.
Sacramento is in the middle of a rebuild focused on youth, defense, and versatility, one that Sabonis does not fit into. It also doesn't help that his massive salary is hamstringing the whole process. There are a lot of moves the Kings need to make, and that nearly $50 million per season is in the way.
On the other side of the country, the Hornets are in the midst of a similar process, just much further along. With a finally healthy LaMelo Ball at the center, Charlotte has done some excellent team building around him. That includes some brilliant selections in recent drafts.
It's not surprising that the Hornets would be interested in Sabonis. He's not much to look at on defense, but he is a high-level scorer, rebounder, and playmaker. Honestly, Sabonis is exactly who they need at the five. They just don't want to pay the price the Kings are asking.
This Sabonis deal won't get done before the draft
At the core of what the Kings want for Sabonis are draft picks. To be more specific, they are after at least one of the Hornets' two first-round picks in 2026. Sacramento wants to keep pushing that rebuild forward by adding more rookie talent from a stacked draft class. That makes sense.
Per Sam Amick The Hornets and Kings have discussed a trade centered around Domantas Sabonis
— KingsMuse (@kings_muse) June 10, 2026
“Per league sources, Sacramento and Charlotte have had recent talks about Kings big man Domantas Sabonis. While a deal is not imminent and appears unlikely before the June 23 draft,… pic.twitter.com/7LsWzouGUR
The problem is that the Hornets are trying to do the exact same thing. They're interested in Sabonis, but giving up a first-round pick in this draft is problematic. Charlotte has the opportunity to scoop up two potentially huge stars with picks 14 and 18. It's no surprise they want to hang on to them.
Reportedly, the Hornets want to put the Sabonis talks on the back burner until after the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23 and 24. That doesn't end the conversation, but it will look a lot different with this year's draft picks off the table. It also makes things more interesting for the Kings.
Charlotte has no shortage of young stars with potentially big futures to trade. Also keep in mind that the Hornets potentially have three first-round picks in 2027, meaning there's a conversation to be had about next year's draft. There's a lot for the Kings to consider in this potential deal.
