The NBA trade rumors are heating up, and the latest buzz involves the Sacramento Kings and the Charlotte Hornets exploring a potential deal for Domantas Sabonis. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Kings and Hornets discussed a framework that would have sent Miles Bridges, Josh Green, and a first-round pick to Sacramento in exchange for Sabonis. However, the Hornets have been reluctant to include either of their 2026 first-round picks in the deal. Sabonis, a 30-year-old center who has earned three All-Star nods since 2020, is a highly sought-after player in the NBA. His impressive statistics, including leading the league in rebounding for three straight seasons, make him an attractive target for any team looking to bolster their frontcourt. The Hornets are considering pursuing a starting-caliber center this summer, and Sabonis could be the perfect fit. However, the Kings are also in the mix, and the Hornets are hesitant to include their first-round picks in the deal. The Kings would ideally like to acquire one of the Hornets' first-round picks, but the Hornets want to keep those picks and discuss Sabonis later in the offseason. The Hornets have been getting solid production at the five position from Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner, but neither player is the kind of scorer or playmaker that Sabonis is. The Kings, on the other hand, are well out of the playoff race and are looking to address Sabonis' meniscus injury surgically. With Sabonis' cap hit of $42.3MM and his $45.5MM contract for next season, the Hornets would have to send out a significant amount of salary for matching purposes, along with possible draft compensation. Miles Bridges, who will earn $22.8MM in 2026/27 on the final year of his contract, is one trade candidate to watch. The Hornets also have Josh Green ($14.7MM) and Grant Williams ($14.3MM) on expiring deals. The Kings, meanwhile, are looking to retool and seek salary cap relief. While the Hornets are hesitant to include their first-round picks in the deal, the Kings are willing to take on the Hornets' expiring contracts. The future of this trade remains uncertain, but the Hornets' interest in Sabonis and the Kings' willingness to take on the Hornets' contracts suggest that a deal could be on the horizon. The Hornets are looking for a starting-caliber center, and Sabonis could be the perfect fit. The Kings, meanwhile, are looking to retool and seek salary cap relief. The future of this trade remains uncertain, but the Hornets' interest in Sabonis and the Kings' willingness to take on the Hornets' contracts suggest that a deal could be on the horizon.
