Kings could have options on Domantas Sabonis, but need reason to deal

The Kings may eventually have a decision to make on Domantas Sabonis. That doesn’t mean they need to rush into one.

First, there’s the supposed friction with rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. Local reporting has pushed back on that, with Brenden Nunes citing a team source who said the two have been communicating well.

So let’s be careful about treating a rumored personality clash as the reason to start moving furniture.

The more useful question is whether Sabonis fits where the Kings are headed. And if they decide he doesn’t, whether somebody will offer enough to make moving him worthwhile.

Logan Struck of Kings On SI examined four hypothetical destinations, ranking the Hornets first, followed by the Raptors, Nets and Grizzlies. He also included the Suns as a possible wild card.

Those are potential fits, of course. A ranking isn’t evidence that a deal is close.

The Hornets are an interesting basketball fit. Sabonis can run offense through the high post, find cutters and create opportunities for shooters. Put him around Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel, and you can see the appeal.

But there’s a difference between helping Charlotte and helping Sacramento. Struck floated Grayson Allen, Grant Williams and Tidjane Salaun as a possible return, while identifying draft compensation as a sticking point.

For the Kings, it should be. If you’re trading Sabonis, you need to come away with something that advances the plan around Acuff. Simply finding contracts that can go the other way isn’t much of a plan.

The Raptors offer another possibility. Struck noted their previously reported interest and the connection between Kings general manager Scott Perry and RJ Barrett, whom Perry helped draft with the Knicks.

Still, the money complicates things. So does determining which players Sacramento actually wants. Familiarity can get a conversation started. It doesn’t finish the trade.

The Nets would have to weigh Sabonis’ offensive value against their rebuilding timeline and financial flexibility. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, would need a convincing reason to rearrange a frontcourt featuring Zach Edey and Cameron Boozer.

For Sacramento, the larger issue goes beyond finding Sabonis a destination. As we’ve discussed, the Kings’ defense keeps making life difficult for their offense. Any major move should help address what this team is trying to become.

Sabonis could interest teams. That part is easy to understand. Finding a deal the Kings should actually make is the harder assignment.