If Kings Are To Trade Sabonis, Identifying Playmaker Is Crucial

Forbes

4 days ago

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 16: (R-L) DeMar DeRozan #10, Domantas Sabonis #11, and Zach LaVine #8 ... More of the Sacramento Kings sit on the bench at the end of the game in their loss to the Dallas Mavericks in othe NBA play-in tournament game at Golden 1 Center on April 16, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by)
For years, the Chicago Bulls miscast Zach LaVine as a number one option, despite a lack of on-ball creation which is ultimately necessary for such a role.
Despite being overburdened with such a role, LaVine routinely put up huge offensive volume, on elite efficiency, signaling that he may be even better when playing off of someone else.
As he arrived in Sacramento, as a component in the De'Aaron Fox trade, he was put next to Domantas Sabonis and former Bulls teammate DeMar DeRozan.
While he performed well after the trade, questions about his role linger.
Sabonis is openly considering all options this summer. When the organization traded away Fox, after having already shrunk the floor by acquiring DeRozan in the summer, the Lithuanian big man realized the roster was in a state of flux.
If goes without saying that any Sabonis departure would likely result in a ripple effect that ultimately has LaVine traded to another team, or right back in the first option role he shouldn't be in.
As such, for the Kings, the organization need to be keenly aware of this, should Sabonis request a trade. If they have aspirations of making a real dent in the Western Conference, an organizational pecking order will have to be established, and one that makes sense for them, as well as LaVine given he's now 30 and doesn't have all the time in the world anymore.
LaVine being as costly as he is ($47.5 million next season) means he's worth much more as a player than as a trade asset for the Kings.
Therefore, if Sabonis is to be moved, identifying a real playmaker has to be the main priority, for a multitude of reasons.
As good as Malik Monk has been for the Kings, his on-ball creation advancements simply haven't made it so far as to justify him as the long-term solution at point guard.
Of course, the Kings have to ponder if Sabonis can fetch an elite playmaker of some sort, as the big man comes with holes in his game as well, most of which centers around his lack of rim protection.
Whatever offers they get on Sabonis, taking on role players, or players in need of being assisted at a high rate, should be of less priority, unless they wish to see LaVine handle the ball more than ever before.
That won't do him, or them, any favors.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.