Fresh NBA Trade Rumors on Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and Jakob Poeltl Before 2026 Deadline

Domantas Sabonis reportedly isn't likely to be traded before Thursday's NBA deadline following the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade between the Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards on Wednesday.

According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, "All signs point to Sacramento big man Domantas Sabonis remaining in Sacramento past tomorrow's deadline. Per team sources, the Kings view the prospect of sending him to the Toronto Raptors as flat-lined, so to speak."

The Raptors were previously described as a "serious suitor" for Sabonis, but mick reported Tuesdat they might have to wait until the offseason to complete a deal unless they find a way to trade Jakob Poetl by the Feb. 5 deadline.

Moving on from Poetl would help the Raptors clear room for the contract of Sabonis, who is signed through the 2027-28 season at an average annual salary of $46.5 million, per Spotrac.

According to Amick, the Kings "made it clear that they aren't willing to take on" the remainder of Poetl's contract in a deal.

Poetl is signed through the 2029-30 campaign thanks to the four-year, $104 million extension he signed with the Raptors last season.

Sabonis is set to make $42.3 million next season, so the Raptors would likely have to move out multiple players in addition to Poetl in order to match his salary.

"Unless you see a deal unfold where Poeltl heads elsewhere to clear room for Sabonis, this is one of those ongoing discussions that will likely resume in the offseason," Amick wrote.

The Kings are meanwhile "not expected" to trade Zach LaVine by the deadline, according to Amick.

LaVine is expected to respond by picking up his $48.9 million player option for next season, per Amick. The veteran guard has until June 29 to make that decision, per Spotrac.

The Kings are heading into Tuesday with the fewest wins in the NBA and a 12-39 record that has the team sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference.

Should Sabonis and LaVine both stay in Sacramento, the biggest move the Kings make this season would end up being the Jan. 31 three-team trade that sent out Dennis Schröder, Keon Ellis and Dario Saric in exchange for former Cleveland Cavaliers star De'Andre Hunter and a roster spot for Dylan Cardwell.