NBA Rumors: Kings Big Man Floated In Celtics Trade Buzz
Could the Boston Celtics pull off a blockbuster for Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis? One podcast thinks it is worth exploring.
The idea was explored during a recent episode of NESN’s “Hold My Banner” podcast, where hosts Kasey Hudson and Ountae Campbell discussed the Sacramento Kings big man as a potential answer to Boston’s frontcourt issues.
With Jayson Tatum still recovering from a torn Achilles and the roster in flux after offseason departures, the Celtics may have reason to explore aggressive options.
But the podcast was not the only place the possibility came up.
In a detailed breakdown from Fadeaway World, Siddhant Gupta wrote that Boston’s “roster [has been] stripped bare of the talent that helped them deliver a championship.” That same piece floated a hypothetical trade involving Anfernee Simons, Sam Hauser, Georges Niang, Neemias Queta and two first-round picks for Sabonis.
The three-time All-Star is coming off a season in which he averaged 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds and six assists per game while shooting 59 percent from the floor.
His ability to initiate offense from the post and stretch the floor would give Boston a dynamic anchor in the paint—something the current group of Xavier Tillman, Neemias Queta and Luka Garza cannot consistently provide.
Sabonis is entering the second year of a four-year, $175.6 million contract, meaning he would be locked in long-term alongside Tatum once the Celtics star is healthy. Financially, swapping Simons for Sabonis would increase Boston’s cap hit but also provide more stability at center.
Of course, it is still just talk for now. But in a summer full of reshuffling, Boston kicking the tires on Sabonis may be more than smoke.