NBA: Charlotte targets Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Charlotte Hornets are looking to make a move in the Eastern Conference when the 2026–27 NBA offseason free agency kicks off.

According to veteran NBA insider Sam Amick, the Hornets are aiming to arrange a deal with the Sacramento Kings involving their superstar center, Domantas Sabonis.

A possible trade deal could happen between the two franchises as Sacramento is reportedly considering acquiring Charlotte’s first-round picks.

However, the Hornets prefer to keep their lottery picks and will most likely work the other way around in pursuing Sabonis without moving their future pieces.

In the ongoing 2025–26 NBA season, Sabonis was limited to only 19 regular-season games due to a torn left meniscus, which had to be repaired in February.

The Kings immediately ruled out Sabonis for the remainder of the season, a huge reason Sacramento failed to qualify for the NBA Playoffs for the second straight year.

Despite a brief campaign, Sabonis still posted stellar numbers in those 19 games, averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per contest.

If the Sabonis trade package pushes through, Charlotte will have a co-star to pair with LaMelo Ball, who almost single-handedly helped the Hornets get out of the NBA Play-In with his all-around efficiency.

During the first Play-In stage, Ball led the Hornets to an upset 127–126 overtime win over the battle-tested Miami Heat squad, delivering 30 points, 10 assists, five rebounds, and a block.

However, Charlotte’s season ended when they lost in the final Play-In round against Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic.

Ball still put up his usual numbers in the loss, leading the Hornets with 23 points, five assists, and two rebounds.

Charlotte will now have a playoff-contending rotation of Sabonis, Ball, Kon Knueppel, Miles Bridges, Brandon Miller, and Coby White if the Lithuanian center agrees to the deal.