The NBA offseason hasn’t even officially begun, and already the rumor mill is churning out blockbuster potential. According to league insiders, talks between the Sacramento Kings and the Charlotte Hornets regarding a trade centered on All-NBA big man Domantas Sabonis have escalated behind closed doors — and sources say the stakes couldn’t be higher for two franchises desperate to change their trajectories.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype was first to report that the Kings and Hornets have engaged in exploratory discussions, but those familiar with the situation indicate the conversations have grown more serious in recent days. The framework allegedly involves Charlotte sending swingman Miles Bridges, sharpshooter Josh Green, and a first-round draft pick to Sacramento in exchange for Sabonis. For the Hornets, that pick could come from their two first-round selections — the 14th and 18th overall — but here’s where things get tense: insiders say Charlotte has so far balked at including either of those picks.
One source close to the Hornets’ front office told us, “They want Sabonis badly, but they’re not going to mortgage their future for a guy who’s struggled to stay on the floor.” That hesitation is reportedly a sticking point, and it’s raising eyebrows around the league. Sabonis, after all, is a three-time All-Star who transformed the Kings into a playoff team in 2023, forming a devastating pick-and-roll partnership with De’Aaron Fox. But since that magical run, Sacramento has missed the postseason entirely, and Sabonis has been plagued by injuries — playing just 19 games this season while averaging career lows of 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists.
Meanwhile, the Hornets are desperately hunting for a starting center to anchor their frontcourt. Bridges and Green are talented, but Charlotte’s brass reportedly views Sabonis as the kind of game-changer who could elevate LaMelo Ball and push the team into playoff contention. The question is: are they willing to pay the price?
There’s also a fascinating personal subplot here. According to sources, current Kings general manager Scott Perry has a long history with Miles Bridges. Back when Perry was an executive with the New York Knicks, the franchise reportedly considered drafting Bridges over Kevin Knox in the 2018 NBA Draft. Perry and Bridges also share hometown ties in Michigan, which some insiders believe could sweeten the pot from Sacramento’s perspective.
As the NBA Finals wind down, all eyes are turning to the offseason trade market. If this deal goes through — or even if it doesn’t — the ripple effects could be massive. One league executive told us, “This is the kind of trade that can define a front office. Get it right, and you’re a genius. Get it wrong, and you’re out of a job.”
Stay tuned. The Kings and Hornets are just getting started.
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