Goodnews: Kings close to land in a CB from rival in a blockbuster deal……read more.
Domantas Sabonis has completed one of the best seasons in NBA history for a center.
Throughout 82 games, the Lithuanian big man averaged 19.4 points, 13.7 rebounds (leading the league), and 8.2 assists per game on 59 percent shooting from the field for a Sacramento Kings club that was one victory away from making it to the NBA Playoffs for the second time in a row.
With back-to-back stellar seasons that ranked him among the league’s top players, Sabonis has been the Kings’ best player in terms of win-shares since the beginning of the previous campaign.
Sabonis only lagged behind MVP winner Nikola Jokic (17.0), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (14.6), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (13.2) at the end of the 2023–24 season in terms of victory shares (12.6).
This puts up some intriguing chances for a few off-season targets that many wouldn’t think Sacramento would be interested in.
The Kings are the clear favorites to sign seasoned center Jonas Valanciunas in free agency, according to oddsmakers. The fact that the 32-year-old big man is currently a teammate of Sabonis on the Lithuanian national team may have contributed to Sacramento’s popularity.
In 82 games with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2023–24, Valanciunas averaged 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 30% from three-point range and 55% from the field.
The eleven-year veteran, who has played out the last year of his two-year, $30 million contract, will become a free agent this summer.
The Kings are thought to be interested in making a trade for Jarrett Allen, the center for the Cleveland Cavaliers, in addition to Valanciunas. In an effort to shore up their squad, the Cavaliers may trade for Allen this summer.
During the 2023–24 season (77 games), Allen, an All-Star in 2022, averaged 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocked shots per game. Additionally, the 26-year-old placed tenth in the poll for Defensive Player of the Year.
This summer, Cleveland’s roster is beset with uncertainty. Donovan Mitchell’s future is in doubt, and dealing Allen is becoming more likely as the team may try to build around former third-overall choice Evan Mobley.
The Kings concluded the season ranked 28th in blocks per game (4.2), so adding another big man might help Sabonis, who isn’t exactly known for his rim protection. But what about floor spacing?
It is still unclear if Sabonis can regularly make mid-range and three-point field goals. While Allen hasn’t tried more than ten three-pointers in a single season since 2020–21, Valanciunas hit thirty percent from outside the arc in 2023–24.
What does it signify for Sabonis if centers are on Sacramento’s wish list for the offseason? Is Sabonis going to be moved to the four by the Kings?
Below, Carmichael Dave delves into the query:
More about Jarrett Allen & Jonas Valanciunas
If Valanciunas and/or Allen travel to Sacramento, they won’t be playing off the bench.
Do the Kings intend to switch Domantas Sabonis to the fourth player?
How likely is it that Sacramento will acquire a center like Allen and Valanciunas?
How formidable would be a Sabonis and Valanciunas front line?
I think Allen would make more sense, Dave
A caller suggests a player for the Kings to select in the 13th round.
When is the next noteworthy Sacramento Kings off-season date?
The NBA Draft now takes place over two nights.
The Sacramento Kings will select their player in the 13th round of the 2024 NBA Draft on Wednesday, June 26th, opening night of the draft. On Thursday, June 27th, the Kings will select with their 45th overall pick in the second round of the draft.
Since 2022, when it selected Iowa product Keegan Murray with the fourth overall pick, Sacramento has not had a first-round pick.
For all of your Kings draft coverage, including player profiles, workout reports prior to the draft, draft night coverage, and much more, stay tuned to Sactown Sports.
Schedule during the NBA Offseason
2024 NBA Draft: Wednesday, June 26–Thursday, June 27
The free agent negotiation window opens on Sunday, June 30 at 3 PM PST.
Free agents will be able to formally sign contracts on July 6th.
July 12–22: Summer League in Las Vegas
July 27–August 11 — Olympic Games of 2024
Training camps for the NBA start on Friday, September 27.
