Amick: Sabonis may remain with Kings, Pistons uninterested in Duren swap

Just days into NBA free agency, Domantas Sabonis appears increasingly likely to remain with the Sacramento Kings.

According to The Athletic‘s Sam Amick, the Kings’ aggressive pursuit of Detroit Pistons All-Star center Jalen Duren has hit a significant roadblock after Detroit showed no interest in a sign-and-trade involving Sabonis.

“The Pistons clearly don’t have any interest in a Domantas Sabonis sign-and-trade,” Amick said on Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross.

“The idea there was to, if they were maybe not wanting to pay full freight for their young guy, that maybe they would do a Sabonis deal. It does not appear to be in the cards.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings shoots the ball against Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons in the third quarter at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2024 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

More on Domantas Sabonis & Jalen Duren

Detroit’s stance isn’t surprising considering Jalen Duren’s breakout campaign.

The 22-year-old averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and shot 65 percent from the field while earning his first All-Star appearance and All-NBA Third Team honors.

Although Duren became eligible for a five-year, $287.1 million extension, the Pistons appear committed to keeping the former 13th overall pick at a lower price point.

Sacramento viewed Duren as a potential long-term centerpiece, pairing his age with a chance to reshape the franchise’s core. Amick said the Kings were willing to offer “every penny” available because they believe Duren could anchor their future.

“They were genuinely excited about whatever percentage chance they had or have at getting a 22-year-old All-NBA center,” Amick said. “They’re trying to get another core piece.”

With Detroit unwilling to entertain a Domantas Sabonis deal, the trade market for the four-time All-Star has also cooled considerably.

Amick noted the Charlotte Hornets previously explored acquiring Sabonis before pivoting to acquiring Naz Reid in the LaMelo Ball trade, while Toronto’s interest has faded following the Raptors’ blockbuster acquisition of Kawhi Leonard.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 24: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after the Kings made a basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Golden 1 Center on October 24, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

“Honestly, it feels like we are going back towards the very-well-might-not-be-going-anywhere kind of status,” Amick said. “Charlotte looked at it pretty seriously, but then ultimately decided not to go down that road. The Toronto thing, I don’t think is alive and well right now. It’s seeming very possible he’s going to still be on the team.”

For Sacramento, that likely means moving forward with Sabonis, who has two years and $94 million remaining on his contract.

Over the past four seasons, the 30-year-old has averaged 19.0 points, 13.1 rebounds and 7.0 assists while shooting nearly 60 percent from the field and 38 percent from three across 250 games.

While Kings general manager Scott Perry continues exploring ways to reshape the roster, the combination of Detroit’s refusal to discuss Duren, Charlotte pivoting in another direction and Toronto’s changing priorities has left Domantas Sabonis looking far more likely to begin the 2026-27 season right where he’s finished the last five seasons — in Sacramento.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The Sacramento Kings will now set their sights on the California Classic, with action set to run from July 4th through July 6th at Golden 1 Center.

New Kings point guard Darius Acuff Jr. (7th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft) will go head-to-head against Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. (6th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft) at 2 pm PT on July 4th, right here in downtown Sacramento.

Be sure to remain locked into Sactown Sports for your Sacramento Kings Summer League news, analysis, and much more!

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• Saturday, July 4th – Monday, July 6th – California Classic at Golden 1 Center
• Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
• Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official

Sacramento Kings California Classic Schedule

Games played at Golden 1 Center

• Saturday, July 4th – vs. Brooklyn Nets (2 p.m. PT)
• Sunday, July 5th – vs. Golden State Warriors (2 p.m. PT)
• Monday, July 6th – vs. Milwaukee Bucks (7 p.m. PT)

2026 Sacramento Kings Las Vegas Summer League Schedule

• Thursday, July 9: vs. Los Angeles Clippers (8 p.m. PT)
• Sunday, July 12: vs. Washington Wizards (5 p.m. PT)
• Tuesday, July 14: vs. Brooklyn Nets (3 p.m. PT)
• Wednesday, July 15: vs. Boston Celtics (5 p.m. PT)
• Final game TBD

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