The Golden State Warriors are slipping into a familiar pattern — a hot start followed by an alarming skid — and league insiders are already wondering whether the franchise will explore another in-season trade to stabilize the roster, similar to last year’s franchise-altering deal for Jimmy Butler.
With Golden State searching for answers and the Sacramento Kings off to a disastrous start of their own, a surprising potential match has emerged.
Warriors Eyed as Possible Sabonis Suitor
According to Allen Stiles of Sactown Sports 1140, a California-based NBA team “down the freeway” is monitoring the availability of Domantas Sabonis, the Kings’ three-time All-Star big man.
“So when you’re trying to trade for Sabonis, there’s a team out there — and I heard about a team not too far down the road that could be interested,” Stiles said on The Allen Stiles Show.
“And when I say ‘down the road,’ I mean down the freeway — that team could look at a Domantas Sabonis.”
While Stiles did not name the Warriors directly, the geographical hint — and Golden State’s well-documented interest in upgrading the frontcourt — immediately fueled speculation.
Stiles added that Sabonis’ contract may complicate things: “He’s not going to live up to that $40-whatever-million AAV. He’s probably not going to do it anywhere. That team might be better with him, but he won’t be producing at that contract level.”
Warriors’ Frontcourt Issues Spark Trade Rumor
Getty Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors dribbling the ball is guarded closely by Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings.
Golden State’s offseason swing for veteran Al Horford has not paid early dividends. The 38-year-old big man has already missed five of the team’s first 12 games and is averaging just 5.6 points on 34.9% shooting.
By contrast, Sabonis is in his prime at 29 years old, and his skill set aligns seamlessly with Steve Kerr’s ball-moving offense. The 6-foot-10 Lithuanian averagesian center is averaging 15.8 points per game, 13.3 rebounds (leads the NBA) and 3.9 assists. He never averaged fewer than 6.0 assists in the prior three seasons.
His elite passing, toughness inside, and rebounding presence address several glaring holes in Golden State’s roster.
Kings Facing Their Own Crisis
Sacramento’s 3–8 start — tied for one of the worst in the West — has triggered whispers of a potential rebuild and “fire sale” if their fortunes don’t change soon.
Following a third straight defeat, a 122–108 loss to Denver, Sabonis voiced his frustration.
“No one wants to start like this… especially with our home crowd. They deserve better,” Sabonis told reporters. “I don’t have any words… we just have to try and figure this out.”
Still, he maintained optimism: “I’m definitely confident. We have a lot of talent, a great coaching staff, great management… when things get tough, people go their own way, but not with this group.”
Despite his positivity, a grueling five-game road trip looms — a stretch that could determine whether Sacramento sticks with its core or opens trade discussions.
Kuminga’s Name Resurfaces in Trade Talks
The Kings previously offered Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick for Jonathan Kuminga, but the Warriors reportedly declined the package.
Kuminga, who signed a two-year, $48.5 million contract this summer, becomes trade-eligible in mid-January — conveniently lining up with when teams typically intensify trade talks.
After a breakout October (17.5 points, 55.4% FG, 45% from three), Kuminga has cooled significantly in November, averaging 12.3 points on 41.4% shooting and 18.8% from three.
His inconsistency, paired with the Warriors’ frontcourt problems, makes him a logical centerpiece in any Sabonis-related deal.
Will Golden State Make the Big Move?
With both franchises underperforming and each possessing something the other needs — Sacramento looking for youth and scoring upside; Golden State needing size, rebounding, and a high-IQ facilitator — trade chatter is expected to intensify as January nears.
Whether the Warriors bet big on a Sabonis partnership with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Butler, or continue developing Kuminga, may define their season — and possibly their championship window.
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