Hornets still viewed as potential Domantas Sabonis suitor, but there’s a catch

The Hornets apparently haven’t disappeared entirely from the Domantas Sabonis conversation. But there’s still a fairly significant issue.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Charlotte remains a potential landing spot for the Kings center. The problem is that Sacramento and prospective trade partners don’t necessarily agree on what Sabonis is worth.

The Kings believe they should receive positive value in a Sabonis deal, Fischer reported. Interested teams have reason to be more cautious after the 30-year-old appeared in just 19 games last season because of knee problems.

Then there’s the contract. Sabonis is owed roughly $94 million over the next two seasons, making this something considerably more complicated than simply deciding whether Charlotte could use him.

The Hornets and Kings have been connected in Sabonis trade discussions before, with previous talks reportedly involving various combinations of players and draft compensation.

All that said, Fischer indicated Sacramento may need Sabonis to get back on the court and show that he’s again the player who became a three-time All-Star before a deal becomes realistic.

That makes sense. When healthy, Sabonis is one of the league’s premier rebounders and passing big men. But $94 million is $94 million, and 19 games are 19 games.

So Charlotte may still be watching. The Kings may just need Sabonis to rebuild some of his trade value before anybody starts making serious offers.