Talk about a mic drop: Domantas Sabonis just flat out called the trade rumors swirling around him this offseason “made up.” The Kings big man isn’t holding back, telling Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops that ignoring all the noise was “easy” because “It’s all made up.” He added, “I don’t know where you guys get most of it from. I’m there with Scott [Perry], with my agent, so I’m not on social media as much.” Wow.
Sabonis Says “Made Up,” Insiders Say Otherwise
Hold up, because “made up” is a strong accusation when NBA insiders were reporting actual discussions. Jake Fischer, a well-known NBA insider, reported back on June 16 that the Kings and the Charlotte Hornets were actually talking about a swap involving Sabonis right before the 2026 draft. Fischer called those talks “exploratory,” but they definitely weren’t “made up” if a respected insider is putting it out there. Then, just two weeks later on June 30, Fischer and Marc Stein, another big name in the NBA rumor mill, reported that Sacramento was eyeing Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren. The idea was to get Duren in a sign-and-trade that would have sent Sabonis packing to Detroit. So, while Sabonis claims these whispers were just fantasy, the reports painted a picture of some serious behind-the-scenes movement by the Kings front office. It sure sounds like Sacramento was exploring options, doesn’t it?
What’s Next for Sabonis and the Kings’ Rebuild
Despite all the chatter and Sabonis’s dismissal of it, he’s still on the Kings’ roster as the 2026-27 regular season looms. He’s locked in for two more years on his current deal, set to pull in a hefty $45.5 million for the upcoming campaign and another $48.6 million for the 2027-28 season. Remember last season, though, when he was sidelined for a good chunk of it with a meniscus tear? He only played in 19 games, putting up averages of 15.8 points and 11.4 rebounds while shooting 54.3 percent from the field. The Kings, in turn, stumbled to a brutal 22-60 record. Now at 30 years old, Sabonis’s long-term spot in Sacramento seems a little shaky, especially with the team reportedly trying to build around younger talent like Darius Acuff Jr. and Maxime Raynaud. For right now, he’s their starting center heading into the new season. But with that “made up” quote hanging in the air, you gotta wonder about the vibe in that locker room.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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