The Sacramento Kings are finally getting some good news in a season that has mostly been a nightmare, as three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis officially returned to the hardwood on Friday, January 16, 2026. After a grueling 27-game absence due to a partially torn meniscus in his left knee, Sabonis helped lead the Kings to a 128–115 victory over the Washington Wizards, marking the team’s fourth consecutive win.
While the return of the Lithuanian big man provides a much-needed emotional and statistical lift for a team with just 12 wins, it also signals the start of what could be a franchise-altering trade season.
The Business of Being Healthy
Sabonis’ return isn't just about stabilizing a rotation that has leaned heavily on rookie centers Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell; it’s about valuation. Before the injury, Sabonis was averaging 17.2 points and 12.3 rebounds. Now that he is back on the floor and moving well—posting 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in limited minutes against Washington—opposing front offices can verify his health before the February 5 trade deadline.
With the Kings sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference at 12–30, new General Manager Scott Perry is reportedly open to listening to offers for the team's "high-priced veterans." Sabonis, despite his lucrative contract, is widely considered the most attractive asset of that group.
The Veteran "Logjam"
Sacramento’s roster is currently top-heavy with massive contracts that don't necessarily align with the team's current trajectory. Moving these veterans is the key to unlocking a true rebuild around young star Keegan Murray.
| Player | Contract Status / Remaining Money | Trade Difficulty |
| Domantas Sabonis | ~ $136.3M remaining (through '27/28) | Moderate (High value, high production) |
| Zach LaVine | ~ $96.5M (this year and next) | High (History of injuries, massive cap hit) |
| DeMar DeRozan | ~ $50.5M (this year and next) | High (Age 36, specialized playstyle) |
The LaVine and DeRozan Hurdle:
While LaVine and DeRozan remain high-level scorers, their contracts are notoriously difficult to move. LaVine’s injury history and nearly $100 million price tag make many contenders hesitant. DeRozan, at 36, still produces (averaging 19.1 PPG this season), but few teams are willing to part with significant young assets or picks for a player in the twilight of his career on a $50 million commitment.
Conclusion: The Sabonis Lever
By process of elimination, Domantas Sabonis is the lever the Kings must pull if they want to jumpstart their future. Unlike LaVine or DeRozan, Sabonis is 29 years old and possesses a skill set—elite rebounding and high-post playmaking—that fits almost any modern system.
The next three weeks are critical. If Sabonis continues to look like his All-Star self, Sacramento might finally get the "haul" they need to turn the page on this era. For Kings fans, his return to the court is a victory, but his departure might be the move that actually saves the franchise.
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