Could the Kings & Domantas Sabonis remain together longterm?

The Sacramento Kings and Domantas Sabonis may be headed toward a breakup, but there could still be a path toward a long-term partnership.

That was the focus of a conversation between Matt George and Kenny Caraway on Sactown Sports’ The Matt George Podcast, as the two discussed Sabonis’ future in Sacramento and whether the relationship between the All-Star center and the Kings has run its course.

Caraway believes the writing is on the wall.

“The Kings, I’m trying to keep count here, Matt, have tried to trade Domas three times in the last 12 months,” Caraway said, pointing to reported discussions involving Toronto, Charlotte and Detroit.

While both sides have continued to speak respectfully about one another publicly, Caraway believes their actions tell a different story.

“I feel like the marriage has come to an end with Domas and the Sacramento Kings,” he said.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 16: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings leaves the court after they lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA play-in tournament game at Golden 1 Center on April 16, 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)

More on Domantas Sabonis

That doesn’t necessarily mean Domantas Sabonis will be moved immediately.

The Kings have little incentive to simply give away one of the most productive centers in the NBA. Sabonis has been a perennial double-double machine in Sacramento, including averaging 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 2024-25, while remaining one of the league’s best passing big men.

Caraway believes Sacramento should prioritize young talent in any potential Sabonis trade rather than simply accumulating draft picks. He pointed to Detroit’s Jalen Duren as the type of player who could make sense.

“I think I would go with that Jalen Duren deal as the baseline of what I’m looking for,” Caraway said. “I want a young, somewhat quasi-established player.”

But one factor could change the entire conversation: Darius Acuff Jr.

The seventh overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft immediately identified Sabonis as the player he was most excited to play with in Sacramento. George believes a strong connection between the 19-year-old point guard and Sabonis could alter the Kings’ thinking.

Caraway agrees there is a basketball argument for keeping Sabonis around.

“I’m okay with him being a part of the future, being a part of the development of Darius Acuff Jr.,” Caraway said. “And I do think basketball-wise, they can make some good music together.”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 15: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento King poses for a portrait during the 2026 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at UNLV on July 15, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

The problem may ultimately come down to money and where Sabonis fits into Sacramento’s long-term plans.

Caraway believes Domantas Sabonis and the Kings could potentially find common ground on a future contract at a lower annual salary, but he doesn’t believe the relationship is currently headed in that direction.

“I think they’re too far down the road,” Caraway said. “They both know the deal, and they’re both waiting for that opportunity to present itself, where they can move on from each other.”

For now, however, Sabonis still has plenty to play for. If he returns to his All-NBA form, he could rebuild his value around the league while helping Acuff transition to the NBA.

As George put it, this could become a “help you, help me” situation for both sides.

Sabonis can help the Kings develop their young franchise point guard, while Sacramento can give Sabonis a chance to show he remains one of the NBA’s premier centers.

And if Acuff and Sabonis discover they can truly thrive together, the Kings’ plans could look very different.

Listen to all episodes of Sactown Sports’ The Matt George Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and watch each episode on SactownSports.com, the Sactown Sports app, or the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Sean Cunningham isn’t buying the Ben Simmons ‘high reward’ hype yet
• Carmichael Dave: Sacramento has nothing to lose by signing Ben Simmons
• Why Ben Simmons believes Sacramento is the right place for his NBA comeback
• Spears: Ben Simmons could be open to long-term stay in Sacramento
• NBA insiders connect Jalen Duren’s future to Domantas Sabonis’ Kings uncertainty

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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