Draft Lottery May Save Domantas Sabonis for Kings

Merlin sees Sacramento shopped Domantas Sabonis before the Feb. 5 deadline but may not be keen to try again this summer. Marc Stein says it is "not seen as a certainty" the Kings will move him. The decision will hinge on the May draft lottery and what pick they land. Sabonis was shut down for season-ending knee surgery and carries $94.1 million over the next two years. Merlin notes the balancing act. Sabonis is a three-time All-Star averaging 19.0 points, 13.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists in Sacramento, valuable on and off the court. If the Kings snag a top lottery pick they may keep him to pair with youth. If the lottery disappoints, expect them to press for a first-round pick as they did at the deadline.