Sam Amick on the Kings’ trade questions around Sabonis & LaVine

The Sacramento Kings’ preseason has been difficult to evaluate.

Sacramento has been missing players, losing exhibition games, and trying to fit together a veteran-heavy roster. But The Athletic’s Sam Amick doesn’t see a team eager to tank.

If the veterans stay healthy, he thinks they could win more than expected–and Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine could draw trade interest as the deadline approaches.

Amick joined Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross after watching the Kings in person. He said the team’s notable preseason absences were part of a broader league trend, but the number of Sacramento players sitting out still stood out.

Even so, he sees reasons for the veterans to stay motivated.

“Domantas Sabonis, first of all, looks great,” Amick said. “He looks like he’s absolutely put the work in.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 05: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings goes to the basket while being guarded by Kevon Looney #55 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of the preseason game at Golden 1 Center on October 05, 2026 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)

Amick expects Sabonis to be a major name in trade conversations. Interest in the center picked up last season, he said, and Sacramento could hear from teams looking for an upgrade at the position.

He mentioned Atlanta, Charlotte and Washington as examples of teams with big-man questions, while cautioning that he wasn’t reporting current trade talks.

The conversation around Sabonis may also be shifting. Amick said the narrative that teams can’t win with him seems to have cooled, replaced by a renewed appreciation for how good he is.

Sabonis is owed about $45.5 million this season and $48.6 million in 2027-28, roughly $94 million over two years.

LaVine’s situation is different. The star guard is entering the final year of his contract at about $49 million, then can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Zach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings poses for a picture during the Kings Media Day at Sacramento Kings Practice Facility on September 28, 2026 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)

Amick said a contender could view him as a low-risk option closer to the deadline, when only a few months of salary would remain.

“He’s incentivized,” Amick said of LaVine, noting the opportunity to have a strong season before reaching free agency.

Amick also sees Ben Simmons as a worthwhile gamble on an affordable deal, though his return remains a question mark. He’s interested in whether Simmons still has the defensive ability that once made him an elite player.

For now, Amick said, the Kings need their players to compete and share an agenda as they figure out how the veteran pieces fit.

Sacramento may want a high draft pick, Amick said, but its veterans could make the team more competitive than expected. How Sabonis and LaVine play, and whether the Kings’ season creates a market for either, will be worth watching as the deadline nears.

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

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Simmons or Hunter: Who should start for the Kings?
• George: Sacramento’s preseason injury situation is confusing
• Turner: Sacramento Kings need to find a role for Emanuel Sharp
• Could Ben Simmons play his way into a starting spot?

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Wednesday, October 21st @ Los Angeles Clippers (7:30 P.M. PT)
• Friday, October 23rd vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Sunday, October 25th vs. Memphis Grizzlies (6:00 P.M. PT)
• Tuesday, October 27th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Thursday, October 29th @ New Orleans Pelicans (5:00 P.M. PT)

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