The Sacramento Kings’ miserable start to the 2026-27 NBA season has brought another major problem to the surface: Domantas Sabonis reportedly wants out.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the three-time All-Star is increasingly unhappy with his situation in Sacramento, and the franchise would be willing to trade him if an acceptable deal becomes available.
Speaking on The Hoop Collective podcast, MacMahon offered a blunt assessment of the relationship between the Lithuanian center and the organization.
“Quite frankly, Sabonis wants out of there, and if they can move him, they would,” MacMahon said. “So he’s not happy. It’s a bad situation.”
Domantas Sabonis is unhappy and wants out of Sacramento, per @BannedMacMahon
“Quite frankly, Sabonis wants out of there, and if they can move him, they would. So he’s not happy.” https://t.co/YqLwiU5jAf
— NBABase (@TheNBABase) November 2, 2026
ESPN colleague Brian Windhorst confirmed that Sacramento is open to moving its former franchise cornerstone but emphasized that the Kings are unwilling to sacrifice valuable assets simply to facilitate his departure. Any potential trade would have to make sense for the organization.
Despite the team’s struggles (1-6 to start the season), Sabonis has remained remarkably productive. Through his first six appearances, the 30-year-old averaged 16.0 points, 15.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists while shooting over 70% from the field.
However, Sacramento’s offense is increasingly centered around rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr., whose emergence has changed the distribution of offensive responsibilities.
In Sunday’s 136-105 defeat against the Memphis Grizzlies, Acuff attempted 25 shots and scored 38 points, while Sabonis finished with 11 points and 14 rebounds on just five field-goal attempts.
That contrast prompted discussion about how Sacramento intends to balance the development of its young players with the presence of an established All-Star. It has not, however, been confirmed that Acuff’s growing role is the reason behind Sabonis’ reported frustration.
The possibility of a departure has been discussed for months. During the offseason, Sabonis changed his representation, hiring Aaron Mintz of CAA, a move that intensified speculation about his long-term future. Sacramento also reportedly explored trade scenarios involving Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren, although those discussions never produced an agreement.
Finding a suitable deal remains complicated by Sabonis’ contract. He is owed approximately $94 million over the next two seasons, including roughly $45.5 million this year and $48.6 million in 2027-28.
That financial commitment, combined with Sacramento’s desire to receive meaningful value in return, could limit the number of realistic trade partners.
The Kings acquired Sabonis in 2022 in the blockbuster trade that sent Tyrese Haliburton to Indiana. He subsequently helped Sacramento end its 16-year playoff drought and reestablish itself as a competitive Western Conference franchise.
Now, less than five years later, both sides appear to be considering a different future. Sabonis reportedly wants a fresh start. Sacramento appears willing to give him one. The difficult part will be finding a trade that works for everyone.
