Why Kings Might Keep Domantas Sabonis This Summer

Sacramento shopped Domantas Sabonis before the Feb. 5 deadline but may not put him on the block this summer, Marc Stein says it is "not seen as a certainty." Teams including Toronto, Washington, Phoenix and Chicago showed interest while the Kings sought a first-round pick. No deal came, Sabonis was shut down for season-ending knee surgery, and he still has two years and $94.1 million left on his deal after averaging 19.0/13.1/6.9 in Sacramento. Merlin sees a clear crossroads. If the lottery fails to deliver a ready-made star, the Kings could cling to Sabonis for steady production and leadership. If they leap into the top selections, moving him for a high pick becomes tempting. With a 13-46 record and rare top-10 luck, Sacramento must choose between present strength and a rare swing at long-term upside.