Jerry Reynolds is surprised more NBA teams aren’t interested in Domantas Sabonis

Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis appears increasingly likely to remain in Sacramento as the NBA offseason continues to unfold, and Jerry Reynolds joined Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys to share his thoughts on the big man’s future.

The Kings have explored upgrading their frontcourt, with Detroit Pistons All-Star Jalen Duren emerging as one of the organization’s reported targets.

However, Detroit has shown no interest in acquiring Sabonis in return and has no plans to negotiate sign-and-trade scenarios involving Duren after making him a cornerstone of the franchise.

That stance became even more apparent after Duren became eligible for a five-year, $287.1 million extension following his All-NBA Third Team campaign.

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)

The 23-year-old averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and shot 65 percent from the field last season, solidifying his place in Detroit’s long-term plans.

Meanwhile, other potential landing spots for Sabonis have also disappeared.

Charlotte recently reshaped its frontcourt by acquiring Naz Reid as part of the LaMelo Ball trade, while Toronto pivoted in a different direction by landing Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers.

Add in the Lakers’ blockbuster acquisition of Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, and the market for veteran centers has shifted considerably.

Despite that, Kings legend Jerry Reynolds admitted he’s surprised there hasn’t been more league-wide interest in Domantas Sabonis.

“A little bit,” Reynolds said on The Drive Guys. “He’s a center that really can pass the ball well, rebounds at as good a clip as any player in the league for the last six years.”

Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings looks on in the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Golden 1 Center on March 17, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

More on Domantas Sabonis

Sabonis has certainly produced at an elite level in Sacramento.

Over the past four seasons, the three-time All-Star has averaged 19.0 points, 13.1 rebounds and 7.0 assists while shooting just under 60 percent from the field and 38 percent from beyond the three-point line across 250 games.

The 30-year-old also has two seasons remaining on his contract worth approximately $94 million.

Still, Reynolds understands why rival executives may hesitate to pursue him.

“There needs to be a fit for him,” Reynolds explained. “I certainly can see teams where I think he’d be a good fit. Charlotte comes to mind. I think he’d definitely be a nice fit there. I think he’d be awfully good there because they’re not gonna guard anybody anyway, so they’re just gonna go score, and I think with him, they go score more.”

Sabonis’ unique offensive skill set has made him the centerpiece of Sacramento’s offensive attack over the years, but not every team is built to maximize his playmaking abilities.

As a result, while the Kings continue evaluating ways to improve their roster, Domantas Sabonis increasingly looks poised to remain in Sacramento entering the 2026-27 season unless another unexpected trade market develops.

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 will conclude the California Classic on Monday night at Golden 1 Center.

Sacramento will face the Milwaukee Bucks in what will serve as their final tune-up before heading to the desert for the NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League.

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

• 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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