The Sacramento Kings are not currently exploring a contract extension for Domantas Sabonis, despite the All-Star center becoming extension-eligible in July and remaining a central figure on the roster entering the 2026-27 season.
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Kings general manager Scott Perry has maintained regular communication with Sabonis since taking over basketball operations, but the franchise is focused on seeing the 30-year-old play out the upcoming season rather than negotiating a new deal. Sabonis has two years and $94 million remaining on his current contract and recently switched representation to CAA Sports.
The report reveals Sacramento seriously explored multiple trade scenarios involving Sabonis over the past year before ultimately keeping him.
The Kings came close to sending Sabonis to the Toronto Raptors before the February trade deadline, in a package that would have included RJ Barrett. However, the deal collapsed because Toronto was unable to move the remaining three years and $84 million on Jakob Poeltl’s contract.
Sacramento also discussed a potential sign-and-trade centered on Detroit Pistons restricted free agent Jalen Duren after Perry met with Duren in early July. The Pistons ultimately declined to move the 22-year-old center in exchange for Sabonis.
Additional discussions reportedly took place with the Charlotte Hornets before the 2026 NBA Draft and included at least one conversation with the Boston Celtics, but none developed into serious negotiations. Charlotte had considered pairing Sabonis with LaMelo Ball before instead trading Ball and committing to a younger rebuilding timeline.
Although trade speculation surrounded him throughout the year, Sabonis has signaled his willingness to recommit to the Kings. Rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. revealed that Sabonis texted him shortly after the draft to welcome him to the organization and express excitement about playing together. Sabonis also attended a Kings Summer League game in Las Vegas alongside members of the front office before meeting Perry again in Sacramento last week.
Perry expressed confidence that Sabonis will remain fully committed despite the uncertainty surrounding his long-term future.
“He’s going to play hard,” Perry said. “I don’t think he knows any other way to play. So regardless of what may or may not have been, when Domas locks in, he’s going to come and compete. That’s my expectation. We need the best version of him this year and for him to accomplish whatever goals and objectives he has as a player for the remainder of his career, he knows he’s got to play.”
The decision to delay extension talks reflects Sacramento’s broader offseason approach after finishing 22-60, the second-worst record in the Western Conference. Rather than committing additional long-term money to its veteran core, the Kings have prioritized financial flexibility while integrating rookie lottery pick Darius Acuff Jr. and reshaping the roster around younger talent.
Sabonis’ 2025-26 campaign was interrupted by injury. He appeared in only 19 games before undergoing season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn meniscus. In those appearances, he averaged 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 54.3% from the field.
Over the past several seasons, Sabonis has established himself as one of the league’s premier passing big men and a multiple-time All-Star. Now, with extension negotiations on hold and previous trade talks no longer active, both Sabonis and the Kings enter the 2026-27 season with a shared incentive: rebuild his value on the court before revisiting long-term decisions.
