Domantas Sabonis Reportedly Hasn't Demanded Trade, Kings Committed to Star amid Rumors
Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis has been the subject of trade rumors during the early part of the offseason, but it doesn't sound like he's going anywhere this summer.
The Athletic's Sam Amick reported that Sabonis has not requested a trade, and the Kings remain focused on adding pieces around him in hopes of improving their roster for next season.
"In terms of building blocks, team and league sources say the Kings continue to signal a commitment to veteran big man Domantas Sabonis," Amick stated. "While Sabonis’ frustration with the organization’s handling of the [De'Aaron] Fox saga has been well-chronicled, league sources say Sabonis has not asked for a trade and has had positive early discussions with [general manager Scott] Perry regarding the Kings’ aspirations for this summer."
Sabonis and Fox had been an exciting tandem for the past few years before the Kings opted to trade Fox to the San Antonio Spurs this past season. While Sacramento acquired veteran wing Zach LaVine to pair with Sabonis and veteran shooting guard DeMar DeRozan, the team finished with a 40-42 record before losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the play-in tournament.
Despite the down year, Sabonis remained a model of consistency with averages of 19.1 points, a league-leading 13.9 rebounds and 6.0 assists across 70 games. It was his sixth straight season averaging a double-double.
Perry is entering his first year as Kings GM, and Amick pointed out that he made it "crystal clear" during his introductory news conference in late April that he will be pursuing a point guard this offseason to fill the void left by Fox's absence. He reportedly "has spent much of the time scouring the league’s landscape for the most viable, and realistic, option," which would go a long way toward keeping Sabonis happy.
"Sabonis, the 29-year-old, three-time All-Star who is owed a combined $140.3 million in the next three seasons, has remained patient with the process to this point," Amick stated. "He’d feel even better, of course, if the Kings were able to land a quality point guard."
