The Golden State Warriors' $10-9$ start to the $2025-26$ season has prompted the inevitable calls for a shake-up to maximize Stephen Curry's final championship window. Among the most tantalizing, yet complex, trade targets being floated by fans is Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis.
While NBA insider Jake Fischer has poured cold water on the idea, stating that the Warriors are unlikely to "factor into any Sabonis Sweepstakes" due to the financial headache of his $42.3 million salary and the assets Golden State would have to surrender—potentially far more than just Jonathan Kuminga—the mere thought of the union is intoxicating.
The Logical Barriers vs. The Dream
The logical reasons against the trade are clear, as Fischer points out:
System Fit: Sabonis is an elite rebounder and playmaker but is neither a high-volume floor-spacer nor an elite rim protector, two things the Warriors' frontcourt desperately needs.
Al Horford Factor: The Warriors acquired Al Horford this offseason, and while he has gotten off to an "abysmal start" (averaging $5.8$ points and $4.3$ rebounds through three games in a new system), the front office may not be ready to "tear up its roster" to correct the mistake.
The Draymond Drama: The "residual bad blood" from the 2023 playoff skirmish between Sabonis and Draymond Green adds a layer of unpredictable chaos to the potential locker room dynamic.
🤯 Conclusion: Sabonis in Golden State Would Be a Wild Team-Up!
Despite the logical and financial roadblocks, a Sabonis-Warriors pairing would be one of the wildest and most intriguing team-ups the NBA has seen in years, primarily due to the sheer level of playmaking chaos it would unleash:
Playmaking Overload: Imagine a frontline featuring Draymond Green and Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis is an elite hub, averaging $3.7$ assists per game this season. Pairing him with Green, one of the best passing forwards ever, would create a dizzying, five-out offense orchestrated by three genius passers (Curry, Green, Sabonis). The ball movement and unpredictability would reach peak levels not seen since the original KD-era Warriors.
The Rebounding Monster: Sabonis has led the league in rebounding for the past three seasons. His presence would instantly cure the Warriors' chronic weakness on the boards, giving Curry and the wings more possessions and eliminating second-chance points for opponents.
The Frenemies Dynamic: The greatest source of intrigue would be the forced partnership between Green and Sabonis. The same fiery competitiveness that led to their intense playoff clash would now be channeled toward opponents. If they can put aside their rivalry, their combined high basketball IQ and aggressive temperament would give the Warriors an unmatched emotional and physical edge.
While the trade odds are long, the thought of Curry finishing his career with a dynamic, pass-first big man—and the drama that comes with reuniting him with his greatest playoff nemesis—makes the Sabonis-to-Golden State rumor a delicious fantasy for NBA fans.
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