The paths of Domantas Sabonis and the Sacramento Kings seem destined to part ways. During July, the California-based franchise tried to trade the center to Detroit in exchange for Jalen Duren, and now it is the player himself, with his latest decisions, who could be starting to prepare a change of scenery. At least that’s how Brian Windhorst, ESPNews reporter, reads it, pointing to his recent change of representation as a possible clue.
«I think it’s interesting that he changed agents this summer. He has hired Aaron Mintz, of CAA. Last year Mintz handled Trae Young’s departure from Atlanta, and now he has moved Walker Kessler out of Utah».
Windhorst uttered these words during his appearance on The Hoops Collective, in which it was also noted that Mintz has secured sizable contracts for the two players mentioned, which could also fit Sabonis’s case. The Lithuanian is eligible for a contract extension, but he does not seem close to reaching an agreement with the Kings, who are not willing to pay the enormous salary he’s seeking, making this summer decision even more relevant.
It is true that Domantas would have had more leverage in this negotiation a few years ago, when, after being named All-NBA in two consecutive seasons, but his reputation in the league has changed a lot since then. Moreover, the injury problems he suffered last season, in which he could only play 19 games, have relegated him to the back burner in the public consciousness, which is not necessarily the best scenario for sitting down to talk contracts.
In this way, there are not only signs pointing to a possible trade, but it also seems like a decision that would benefit all parties. For now there is not too much urgency, but it wouldn’t be surprising if these rumors gained momentum during the season.
