Sabonis leaving Sacramento? Charlotte has waited long enough, but the Kings need a price trap

The NBA trade market is full of noise, but Domantas Sabonis is no longer just a rumour. Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reports that the 30-year-old Lithuanian centre has changed agents, is approaching extension eligibility, and has drawn consistent interest from the Charlotte Hornets. Sacramento previously held advanced trade talks with the Toronto Raptors, and Charlotte has remained a patient suitor for months. Sabonis averaged 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 19 games during the 2026–26 season before injuries ended his campaign. The year before, he was dominant with 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. He is a three-time All-Star, the son of Arvydas Sabonis, and a two-time All-NBA Third Team selection. Charlotte’s interest is logical. LaMelo Ball needs a frontcourt hub who can run hand-offs and create open shots. Sabonis would turn the Hornets into a structured half-court team. Sacramento, meanwhile, can use the bidding war between Charlotte and Toronto to maximise his trade value. The real question is not whether Sabonis is still productive, but whether the Kings see him as part of their long-term future. If they decide to sell, this is the best moment to get a significant return.