Jerry Reynolds: Kings shouldn’t feel pressured into trading Domantas Sabonis

The Sacramento Kings have been one of the NBA’s busiest teams this offseason, adding young talent through the draft while remaining linked to trade rumors involving All-Star center Domantas Sabonis.

As Summer League continues in Las Vegas, Kings legend Jerry Reynolds joined Sactown Sports The Drive Guys to share his thoughts on Sacramento’s roster, rookie Darius Acuff Jr., and how Doug Christie can maximize the team’s talent entering the 2026-27 season.

While rumors have connected the Kings to restricted free agent center Jalen Duren, Reynolds doesn’t believe Sacramento should feel pressured to move on from Sabonis.

Instead, he believes the Kings should explore creative ways to utilize their frontcourt if they end up with multiple capable big men.

“I can see in my own mind how offensively you could play Raynaud and Sabonis together,” Reynolds said. “You could do a lot of the Rick Adelman stuff, the two high-post guys at the elbow because they both can pass.”

Domantas Sabonis #11 and Zach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings pose for a photo during a media day photo shoot at Sacramento Kings Practice Facility on September 29, 2025 in Sacramento, California. Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Reynolds added that such a lineup could also create opportunities for Doug Christie to experiment defensively.

“You might want to play more zone with that lineup,” Reynolds said. “It would force Zach LaVine to be a cutter and a mover to get his shots, as opposed to exhibiting his dribbling acumen.”

One player Reynolds has been especially encouraged by is first-round pick Darius Acuff Jr. While the rookie is still adjusting to the NBA game through four Summer League appearances, Reynolds believes his passing has already stood out during Summer League.

“His passing has been outstanding,” Reynolds said. “It’s just too bad guys can’t catch and shoot. It’s hard to get assists when guys don’t make baskets.”

Reynolds acknowledged Acuff still has room to grow, particularly on the defensive end, but believes that’s far from unusual for an offensive-minded rookie.

“He tries hard,” Reynolds said. “He’s probably still well below average. I wish he could figure out how to get over screens.”

Even so, Reynolds doesn’t believe elite defense is necessary for Acuff to become a successful NBA player.

Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings shoots a technical foul shot against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half in the California Classic a NBA Summer League game at Golden 1 Center on July 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

“I don’t think you’re ever going to confuse him with Tony Allen,” Reynolds said. “I think everybody would be more than happy if he’s slightly below average.”

Reynolds also praised second-round center Dylan Cardwell, saying the former Auburn standout already looks like the type of player every contender needs.

“He’s probably everything you really want in a backup center,” Reynolds said. “He’s made progress.”

As Sacramento continues evaluating its young talent in Las Vegas, Reynolds believes the Kings have assembled a roster worth developing rather than rushing into another major move.

With Acuff showing promise, Cardwell emerging as a reliable reserve option, and Sabonis still anchoring the frontcourt, the Hall of Fame broadcaster sees plenty of reasons for patience this offseason.

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

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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The Sacramento Kings will continue their Las Vegas Summer League slate on Tuesday afternoon at UNLV when they play the first game of a back-to-back.

Sacramento is set to face the sixth-overall pick, Mikel Brown Jr., and the Brooklyn Nets at 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sactown Sports will be ON SITE in Las Vegas ALL WEEK LONG from July 12-19th! Be sure to remain locked into Sactown Sports for your Sacramento Kings Summer League news, analysis, and much more!

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• Thursday, July 9th – Sunday, July 19th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League
• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin

2026 Sacramento Kings Las Vegas Summer League Schedule

• Tuesday, July 14: vs. Brooklyn Nets – 3 p.m. PT (Prime Video)
• Wednesday, July 15: vs. Boston Celtics – 5 p.m. PT (ESPN 2)
• Final game TBD

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