Latest news with #DomantasSabonis
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sacramento Kings Could Form Elite Starting Lineup With Two Blockbuster Trades
Sacramento Kings Could Form Elite Starting Lineup With Two Blockbuster Trades originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Kings enter 2025-26 with a refreshed sense of purpose. After moving on from De'Aaron Fox and coach Mike Brown following a missed playoff finish (40-42, no postseason), Sacramento now anchors its core around Domantas Sabonis and newly acquired Zach LaVine, both of whom carry All-Star credentials and deliver high-level scoring and playmaking. Rising forward Keegan Murray has begun blossoming into a legitimate 3-and-D forward, rounding out a young nucleus with notable promise. Yet even that trio may only be the foundation. After it seems the Kings won't be able to land their key target, Jonathan Kuminga, they might be in the running for two immediate starters in this proposed trade idea. With two blockbuster additions, Nic Claxton, a top-tier rim protector and switchable center from Brooklyn, and Derrick White, a defensively elite, clutch-shooting guard from Boston, the Kings could suddenly unveil one of the NBA's most dynamic starting lineups. Let's dive into how the Kings could create an elite starting lineup with two trades. An Intriguing Trade To Acquire Athletic Big Man Proposed Trade Details Sacramento Kings Receive: Nic Claxton Brooklyn Nets Receive: DeMar DeRozan, 2027 first-round pick (CHO), 2027 second-round pick (CHO) Sacramento would be getting Nic Claxton, a modern two-way center whose elite rim presence and finishing ability instantly elevate their interior defense. In 2024-25, he averaged 10.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, and swatted 1.4 blocks per game, all on a scorching 56.3% FG. His ability to alter shots and patrol the paint would transform the Kings' protection behind Sabonis, something they badly lacked last season. Claxton is more than just a defender: he can run the floor better than most traditional centers and is extremely athletic. Offense-wise, he brings downhill energy, smart passing, and finishing around the rim, traits that complement Sabonis's skill set rather than duplicate it. Pairing him with Murray and LaVine creates a versatile frontline that both scores and defends. The cost, DeMar DeRozan and two picks, is bold yet calculated. DeRozan continues to age, and while he's still a scoring threat, his fit next to the new core might be limited. In contrast, Claxton injects youth and long-term value at the 5, perfectly aligning with a rebuild-plus push. It's a win-now pivot without compromising future upside. An All-In Move For Derrick White Proposed Trade Details Sacramento Kings Receive: Derrick White Boston Celtics Receive: Dennis Schroder, 2028 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick Landing Derrick White from Boston would give Sacramento a two-way glue guard with playoff mettle and championship experience. Last season, White averaged 16.4 PPG, 4.8 APG, 4.5 RPG, and an impressive 1.1 BPG. His on-ball defense, highlighted by two All-Defensive Second Team nods, adds toughness to the perimeter, vastly improving the Kings' defensive identity. Offensively, White is clutch. He nailed a franchise-record 265 threes for Boston in 2024-25, and routinely elevates his game in crunch time. With Fox gone, White becomes the primary half-court orchestrator, freeing LaVine to play off-ball and Sabonis to dominate the interior. Trading Dennis Schroder plus picks is steep, but Schroder doesn't bring the same two-way impact or defensive pedigree, and he's on a shorter, less team-friendly deal. White brings stability, playoff leadership, and a physical edge. For a Kings squad hustling to break through, this feels like the kind of historical, season-shifting move they need. Kings Could Form An Underrated But Elite Starting Lineup Starting Lineup: Derrick White, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis, Nic Claxton The projected lineup of Derrick White, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis, and Nic Claxton gives the Kings a lethal blend of two-way versatility, defensive toughness, and athleticism. At the top, White brings elite perimeter defense and relational playmaking, and LaVine's scoring punch, 23.3 PPG on .511/.446/.825 splits last season, ensuring instant offense. Murray offers a dynamic 3-and-D combo from the wing, shooting 34.3% from deep on 12.4 PPG. Defensively, Murray keeps opposing wings honest, allowing Sabonis and Claxton to anchor the paint. Down low, Sabonis remains the engine. He delivered a monster 19.1 PPG, 13.9 RPG, and a historic 61 consecutive double-double streak in '24-25. Claxton complements that with modern rim protection and athleticism, and together, they form a switchy, drop-capable big man duo that stifles rolls, dominates rebounds, and allows Sacramento to control the tempo on both ends. Bench: Ben Simmons (Potentially), Devin Carter, Nique Clifford, Malik Monk, Terence Davis, Keon Ellis, Dario Saric, Drew Eubanks, Isaac Jones The Kings' bench depth blends promising youth with seasoned role players, ready to swing momentum in a game. The Kings are reportedly interested in former All-Star Ben Simmons, and he could be a perfect fit to lead the bench as a 6'10" playmaker and defender. Devin Carter and Nique Clifford, both recent draftees, have already flashed high-impact potential in Summer League: Carter dropped 30 points, 8 boards, 3 steals, and 3 blocks in one outing, while Clifford flirted with a triple-double (19 pts, 9 ast, 7 reb) and impressed scouts with his two-way prowess. That youthful energy and versatility, especially on defense, provide Sacramento with a spark off the pine. Meanwhile, experienced bench pieces like Malik Monk, Terence Davis, Keon Ellis, Dario Saric, Drew Eubanks, and Isaac Jones bring complementary skills. Monk had a career year in 2024-25, averaging 17.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 5.6 APG, despite suffering a late-season calf injury. Together with the rest of the depth chart, this bench allows the Kings to maintain defensive intensity and give the starters rest without sacrificing offensive story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Would it make sense for the Boston Celtics to trade for Kings big man Domantas Sabonis?
Would it make sense for the Boston Celtics to trade for Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis? The Celtics find themselves in something of a down year with star forward Jayson Tatum sidelined with rehab for an Achilles tendon injury, and with that, have cut their payroll while taking on a number of developmental projects in the players they have signed to fill those vacated roster spots formerly occupied by Jrue Holiday, Luke Kornet, Kristaps Porzingis, and, presumable, Al Horford. The folks behind the "New England Sports Network" YouTube channel put together a clip from their "Hold My Banner" show that has hosts Kasey Hudson and Ountae Campbell taking a closer look at what such a deal might actually look like in practice, and what effects it might have. They also got into some of the recent Celtics news making the rounds in the NBA's 2025 offseason, from whether Ben Simmons is a good fit for Boston, what to make of Marcus Smart with the Los Angeles Lakers, and more. Check it out below! This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Would it make sense for the Celtics to trade for Domantas Sabonis?
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Would it make sense for the Boston Celtics to trade for Kings big man Domantas Sabonis?
Would it make sense for the Boston Celtics to trade for Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis? The Celtics find themselves in something of a down year with star forward Jayson Tatum sidelined with rehab for an Achilles tendon injury, and with that, have cut their payroll while taking on a number of developmental projects in the players they have signed to fill those vacated roster spots formerly occupied by Jrue Holiday, Luke Kornet, Kristaps Porzingis, and, presumable, Al Horford. The folks behind the "New England Sports Network" YouTube channel put together a clip from their "Hold My Banner" show that has hosts Kasey Hudson and Ountae Campbell taking a closer look at what such a deal might actually look like in practice, and what effects it might have. They also got into some of the recent Celtics news making the rounds in the NBA's 2025 offseason, from whether Ben Simmons is a good fit for Boston, what to make of Marcus Smart with the Los Angeles Lakers, and more. Check it out below!
Newsweek
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Celtics Suggested as Trade Destination for 3-Time All-Star Big Man
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Boston Celtics have had an interesting offseason. Brad Stevens had to trade away two key pieces of the team's core to get luxury tax relief and Jayson Tatum is early on in his recovery from tearing his Achilles during the team's second round playoff series against the New York Knicks. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis were both traded. Al Horford also isn't expected to return to the Celtics next season. Add in the fact that Luke Kornet also left the team in NBA free agency to sign with the San Antonio Spurs, and Boston has a major question mark at the center position. Could Stevens look to address that issue this offseason? Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings competes for a rebound against Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center on October 29, 2023 in Sacramento, California. Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings competes for a rebound against Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center on October 29, 2023 in Sacramento, California. Photo byThat is something that has been suggested. Read more: Report: Celtics Still Considering Two More Offseason Trades Connor Thomas of Bleacher Report has come up with a trade idea that would land a three-team All-Star big man in Boston. He suggested a potential trade for Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis. In his trade idea, Thomas suggested Sabonis heading to the Celtics in exchange for Anfernee Simons, Sam Hauser, Georges Niang, Neemias Queta, and two first-round picks. Giving up that much in a trade would be a major swing for Boston. However, Sabonis is the kind of player who would be worth swinging for the fences to acquire. During the 2024-25 NBA season with the Kings, Sabonis continued his elite level of play. He played in 70 games, averaging 19.1 points per game to go along with 13.9 rebounds and six assists. Sabonis did all that while shooting 59 percent from the floor and 41.7 percent from the three-point line. Read more: NBA Scout Brutally Rips Into Lakers' LeBron James for Offseason Drama At 29 years old, Sabonis would fit the timeline that the Celtics currently have. He has two years left on his deal following the 2025-26 campaign. That would give Tatum plenty of time to get back to full health with Sabonis on the roster. Sabonis also still has a handful of good years left playing in his prime. A new "big four" of Sabonis, Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White would make Boston a top-tier contender for years to come. Of course, this is just an idea. If the Celtics were to pull off this kind of a blockbuster trade, they would need to add more depth off of the bench. It's an interesting idea, although it is a bit far-fetched. For more on the Boston Celtics and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
New York Times
03-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Who are the Knicks getting in Mike Brown? The two-time coach of the year is still evolving
A film session turned into an intervention. One day after a disappointing loss this past fall, the Sacramento Kings gathered to review the game tape. Head coach Mike Brown wasn't pleased. The Kings had not brought enough effort the previous night, Brown determined, and it was time to tell them about it. Advertisement Brown scanned the room, players seated in front of him, and looked to All-Star point guard De'Aaron Fox. 'If you don't play hard every possession, we're not gonna win,' he announced to Fox. The team sat and listened as he scrolled through the top of the roster. Next, he turned to another All-Star, Domantas Sabonis, declaring that if the big man didn't go all out every play, the Kings wouldn't find success. Similar words for another All-Star, DeMar DeRozan, followed. 'You guys are the engine that makes this team run,' Brown told the group. 'If you don't play like every possession matters, how can we expect (the role players) to do the same?' This was not a moment of discipline. Brown is notorious for holding players accountable. But he doesn't do it in a Bobby Knight-ish manner. As an assistant coach who once worked under him said, 'He didn't yell much. It'd be from a place of disappointment.' This occasion, as he stood before his team, was no exception. Brown didn't raise his voice. There were no punishments, no threats. It was a lecture, a hopeful wakeup call for a team that hadn't played its best ball to begin the season. The coach hoped to change that. Now, Brown has a new job. The two-time NBA Coach of the Year is finalizing a deal to become the next head coach of the New York Knicks, league sources confirmed to The Athletic on Wednesday. His new employer is betting on his personality and diligence more than anything else. In some ways, Brown's defining traits are similar to those of his predecessor, Tom Thibodeau, who built tremendous success in New York until his controversial firing a month ago. The decision to oust Thibodeau came only a few days after the Knicks lost in the Eastern Conference finals, the deepest playoff run they'd made in 25 years. Brown, like Thibodeau, believes the film speaks facts. If it's showing questionable effort, then he must question effort. He is defense-obsessed, though he also has organized the other side of the ball, which includes some of his time as an assistant with the dynasty Golden State Warriors. He leans toward size when trying to get stops and can become frustrated with defensive gamblers who risk throwing coverages out of whack by jetting for steals. Advertisement He loves practice. A couple of decades ago, when he was the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, his first lead gig, he faced allegations of being too rigid — a similar arc to Thibodeau's. Brown's defining trait comes in his attention to detail. He is notoriously organized. After he picks up his mail at home, he stacks up the envelopes, dividing each into different categories before opening them. His office is always 'immaculate,' said Warriors assistant Bruce Fraser, who overlapped with Brown for six seasons in Golden State. He color codes his plays, often carrying various pens — a red one, a blue one, a black one, etc. — so that he can diagram them as clearly as possible. When he was with the Warriors, he would categorize pens in his locker by their colors. Just to mess with him, other coaches would switch them around, removing a red pen from its intuitive group and place it among the blues. Brown would notice quickly and restore order. Brown is a copious note taker. At any given moment around the team, he could be holding a massive folder that contains all his scribbles. 'It's like his basketball bible,' Fraser said. The coach will notice an interesting tidbit another team has added or think of a play and jot it down without hesitation. Later, just to make Marie Kondo jealous, he will go back and reillustrate his diagram, making sure to create a color-coded version. He expects the same attention to detail from those around him, from the players to the coaches to the rest of the franchise. At morning shootarounds, when teams outline their game plans for upcoming opponents, he focuses on nooks and crannies, not much different than Thibodeau's objectives. Players would describe Thibodeau's practices and shootarounds as more exhausting mentally than physically. He wouldn't run guys into the ground, but participants would have to learn and then retain each element of a coverage. Advertisement Yet, Brown goes about his business in his own way. He will jump into a drill to show players that each tiny movement has a purpose. For example, the Kings wouldn't just rehearse where to go while trying to send a ballhandler over a screen. If Brown felt one element of the coverage was imperfect, he would intervene, crouching into a defensive stance and showing what the defender should do with his hands. He would explain which leg goes where as he ventured to the proper spots on the court. Once he finished, he would dart to another area of the floor, mimicking another Kings player and displaying how these edits would affect what the help defenders were supposed to do. Brown has been around Hall of Fame ballers and coaches throughout his career. He assisted San Antonio Spurs legend Gregg Popovich and Indiana Pacers mastermind Rick Carlisle before leading the first team of his own. He coached LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005-10. From there, he bounced to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he stayed for a little more than a year. He then returned to the Cavs for one season. Brown didn't land another head coaching job until eight years later, when he took over the Kings, who he led to the playoffs in Year 1, ending the NBA's longest postseason drought. He helped the group win 46 games the following season but accepted an unexpected and roundly criticized firing, which occurred after a 13-18 start this past December. Brown is a product of his experiences. The offense during his first year in Sacramento — a league-leading offense that revolved around movement, cutting and downhill actions off Sabonis dribble handoffs — was unrecognizable compared to the old-school ones with the Cavs. People with the Kings describe him differently than those who once worked with him in Cleveland. Coworkers from his earlier days refer to him as hands on, someone with a firm grip. Some in Sacramento describe another management style. The Knicks sought out a replacement for Thibodeau who could excel as a collaborator, league sources said. But such a buzzword, 'collaboration,' doesn't apply just to working with the front office or hearing out the players. It extends within the coaching staff, too. In Sacramento, Brown would field feedback from his assistants enthusiastically, though they had to prepare first. The coaching staff understood any suggestion to Brown would come with follow-up questions — not for the sake of defiance but because their boss wanted to test their preparation. He expects the same attention to detail from his staff that he requires from himself. Advertisement While Thibodeau would often take the reins to lead practices, which isn't common for NBA coaches, Brown delegates to the assistants in those scenarios. He has spoken extensively about how his six years under Warriors coach Steve Kerr, one of the league's most famously collaborative leaders, changed him. This seems to be one of those ways. For now, his assistants in New York are still uncertain, though the Knicks could bring back various coaches from this past season's staff, league sources said. Rick Brunson, the father of All-NBA point guard Jalen Brunson and who was the lead assistant under Thibodeau last season, will remain on the bench. Like Thibodeau, Brown is a veteran of abrupt firings. That was true in Cleveland, where Cavs owner Dan Gilbert let him go, later admitted doing so was a mistake, re-hired him and then fired him again less than a year after bringing him back. … And in Los Angeles, where he coached the Lakers for a lockout-shortened 41-25 season and made it only five games into the next season before a 1-4 start led to his demise. … And in Sacramento, where he led the Kings to their first winning record in 17 years, posted a 46-win season the following year and then suffered the consequences of a 13-18 start after that. Now, he will take over the Knicks. During interviews with Brown and other coaching candidates, New York concentrated on how prospective coaches could change the substitution patterns, league sources said. At times this season, Thibodeau used only a seven- or eight-man rotation. He didn't experiment much with lineups. The Knicks hoped to find someone who could balance competitiveness with the development of younger, non-rotation players at the edge of the bench. Candidates presented strategies on how to handle such situations. Of course, competitiveness does not come in the form of regular-season wins alone. This is a franchise with ambitious goals. Advertisement 'Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans,' team president Leon Rose said in a prepared statement released in conjunction with the Thibodeau firing. 'This pursuit led us to the difficult decision to inform Tom Thibodeau that we've decided to move in another direction.' In other words, the Knicks believe they have a championship roster, but they did not consider Thibodeau the person who could get them there — even after the coach rebuilt a once-crestfallen franchise and fell only two wins short of the finals this past season. Brown has spent more than a decade as an NBA head coach but has never won a title, though he went to the finals with the 2007 Cavs. His history doesn't scream that he's an elite playoff adjuster. He is principled in ways that may sound familiar to New Yorkers. This past season, amid cries from the fan base to play sparkplug guard Keon Ellis more, Brown went the other direction, moving the 25-year-old to the fringe of the rotation, a decision that stemmed from Ellis' overzealous gunning for steals, which hurt the defense more often than it helped. But Brown is also a new voice with a track record of racking up victories, a man with a .599 career winning percentage who shares many of Thibodeau's positive traits and deviates in other places. Now, New York has committed to him, hoping a seasoned, detail-oriented, collaborative-yet-still-evolving coach can take the Knicks to their first ring in more than 50 years. (Photo of Mike Brown: Kelsey Grant / Getty Images)
