Domantas Sabonis trade remains possible, but Kings’ price may be the problem

The Kings may want to trade Domantas Sabonis. Other teams may want him.

The problem, as usual, is the price.

Sacramento has explored the market for Sabonis since at least last season’s trade deadline, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer. Toronto and Charlotte both discussed potential deals with the Kings, with the Raptors’ interest described as more serious before the February deadline.

Charlotte could still emerge as a possibility, Fischer said, depending on Sacramento’s asking price.

“The Kings have been adamant that they want positive trade value for Sabonis,” Fischer said, via Logan Struck of Kings On SI.

Rival teams apparently aren’t convinced Sabonis’ contract carries that type of value. The three-time All-Star has $94.1 million remaining on his current deal and is eligible for another extension.

Sabonis also switched representation from Wasserman to CAA this summer, creating speculation that he wants either a new deal in Sacramento or a trade to a team prepared to give him one.

That doesn’t make Sabonis a bad player. He remains one of the NBA’s best rebounders and passing big men. But acquiring him would mean paying the trade cost, absorbing his current salary and potentially committing another $40 million or more annually beyond it.

That’s a lot of decisions wrapped into one transaction.

So a trade remains realistic, particularly if the Kings are finally ready to transition toward a younger roster. It may simply require Sacramento to adjust what it considers a winning return.

Sabonis has value. Whether another team considers him a positive asset at the Kings’ preferred price is the part still holding everything up.