Offseason trade proposal sends Domantas Sabonis to Nets

One NBA analyst proposed that the Brooklyn Nets trade for Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis this offseason. 

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Nets and Kings:

Brooklyn Nets receive: Domantas Sabonis

Sacramento Kings receive: Nic Claxton, Maxwell Lewis and two first-round picks

“Brooklyn could have something major brewing this offseason, with Brian Lewis of the New York Post calling a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade the Nets’ Plan A for the summer,” Buckley wrote. “Dealing for Sabonis feels much more realistic and affordable, plus there’s enough in the coffers to pull this off and still seek out multiple high-level upgrades elsewhere. Having Sabonis as a second/third star and Cam Johnson as the ultimate role player might allow the Nets’ next centerpiece to truly thrive.”

Sabonis has appeared in 66 games for the Kings this season. He’s averaging 19.2 points, 13.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists while shooting 58.8% from the field, 40.3% from beyond the arc and 74.7% from the free-throw line. 

One of the best rebounders in the NBA, Sabonis has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers and Kings. He has career averages of 16.1 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists. 

Sabonis, 28, will make $43,636,000 next season. He signed a four-year, $186 million extension with the Kings in July 2023. It was a renegotiation-and-extend deal. 

“Sabonis might be less than sold on Sacramento’s long-term outlook, and maybe the front office would quietly feel the same with the team trending down since its 2023 playoff breakthrough,” Buckley wrote. “Kings ownership may not sign off on a roster reset, but this would net a pair of first-round picks and a physically impressive 22-year-old while also delivering a ready-made interior anchor to shore up this leaky defense.”

The Nets are in rebuild mode. They will miss the playoffs again this season. 

Meanwhile, the Kings are in ninth place in the Western Conference standings.