New NBA Trade Rumors on Domantas Sabonis Talks Between Hornets, Kings Ahead of Draft

The Charlotte Hornets are looking to add size this offseason, and they've reportedly identified a veteran trade target.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Hornets have been in discussions with the Sacramento Kings regarding versatile big man Domantas Sabonis ahead of next week's 2026 draft. Fischer noted that the talks between the two teams were "widely described as exploratory, but rumbles persist that the Hornets could still elect to part with either their No. 14 or No. 18 selection in various trade scenarios as they search for proven size."

The Athletic's Sam Amick previously reported the two sides had touched base on a potential deal for Sabonis:

Sabonis was limited to a career-low 19 games during the 2025-26 campaign after being forced to undergo season-ending knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. During his brief time on the court, he averaged 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists.

The Hornets were one of the pleasant surprises of this past season after they overcame a tough start to finish with a 44-38 record before losing in the play-in tournament. The future appears to be bright in Charlotte, and adding veteran talent this offseason would help its youthful roster accelerate its development.

Sabonis would be a strong addition for the Hornets, as his passing skills would open things up for the sharpshooting trio of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel. If Charlotte fails to land Sabonis, B/R's Jonathan Wasserman predicted in his latest mock draft that the team would add size with both its first-round picks by selecting Michigan power forward Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 14 and Washington center Hannes Steinbach at No. 18.