Are teams underestimating Domantas Sabonis’ value?

The market for Domantas Sabonis may not be as robust as many around the NBA expected.

Following reports from The Athletic‘s Sam Amick that the Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Hornets engaged in trade discussions involving the three-time All-Star, Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys discussed why negotiations quickly stalled and what it says about Sabonis’ value around the league.

According to reports, Sacramento was seeking first-round draft compensation in exchange for Sabonis, but Charlotte had little interest in meeting that price.

“There were talks,” Kevin Gleason said. “The Kings said, ‘We want draft picks.’ Charlotte said, ‘Nope, thanks for everything,’ and that was that.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 24: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets goes up for a shot against Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half at Golden 1 Center on February 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)

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With Charlotte and other teams seemingly unwilling to part with premium assets, Gleason believes Sacramento may not be able to get the return it desires.

“It appears Toronto’s a team that’s not interested,” Gleason said. “That says the Kings are probably not gonna be able to trade Domas right now for anything that they really want.”

Despite that reality, Allen Stiles believes some of the discourse surrounding Sabonis has gone too far.

“The way they’re talking about Domantas Sabonis is getting a little ridiculous,” Stiles said. “It’s a little disrespectful if you ask me, and the only way he’s going to be able to fix the disrespect is if he comes back and plays really well next season.”

Domantas Sabonis, 30, is entering the third season of his four-year extension and has two years and $94 million remaining on his deal.

Over the last four seasons, he 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-point range.

The veteran big man has made three NBA All-Star teams and been voted onto two All-NBA Third Teams during his career.

 (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Still, Stiles acknowledged that many around the league view the contract differently.

“Everybody just thinks it’s a bad contract,” Stiles said. “The reason you can’t go to him and say, ‘Hey, we want to play you less,’ or whatever the case is, is because you need him to fix his value, so you can move him.”

Gleason also questioned whether reports connecting Sacramento to teams such as Charlotte are helping the Kings’ cause.

“It looks to me like the Kings are approaching other teams about, ‘What about Domas?'” Gleason said. “But then they’re sharing it as if, ‘Well, you know, we’re talking to Charlotte.’ Teams are too smart for that.”

For now, the Kings may have little choice but to bring Domantas Sabonis back and hope a strong 2026-27 season rebuilds his value and reopens the trade market.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The Sacramento Kings are preparing for a crucial 2026 NBA Draft, which is set to take place from Tuesday, June 23rd, through Wednesday, June 24th.

Sacramento owns the 7th pick in the Draft, giving them a chance at selecting a talented player with upside, such as Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., Houston’s Kingston Flemings, and Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, among others.

Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for pre-draft workout news, player breakdowns, draft rumors, and MUCH more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule

• Tuesday, June 23rd – NBA Draft (Round 1)
• Wednesday, June 24th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
• Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
• 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

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