Sacramento Kings star center Domantas Sabonis is reportedly unhappy playing alongside rookie Darius Acuff Jr., fueling speculation that the team could consider trading the veteran big man. This situation arises amid the Kings' challenging 0-6 start to the season.
According to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, Sabonis "doesn’t appear to enjoy Acuff Jr.’s play style." This apparent friction could prompt the Kings to move Sabonis, either during the current season or in the summer.
Deveney reported that while teams may be interested in acquiring Sabonis, the likelihood of Sacramento receiving a first-round pick in return is considered a "long shot." The Kings’ poor start to the season could also make it easier for them to embrace a rebuilding phase by trading away their established center.
Sabonis has been a key player for the Kings for the past five seasons. He was a significant part of the team that ended a 16-year playoff drought during the 2022-2023 season. Acuff Jr., meanwhile, was selected with the No. 7 pick in the NBA Draft this past summer and has shown promise, averaging 26 points per game through the first six contests of the season.