Kings’ Domantas Sabonis earns GM’s guarantee after trade fails

For the third straight offseason, Domantas Sabonis was heavily linked to trade rumors. The Sacramento Kings reportedly entertained several offers, but in the end, they chose to keep Sabonis.

The do-it-all center was limited to a career-low 19 games last season due to a torn meniscus. It was a huge blow to the Kings, who stumbled to a 22-60 record, tied with the Utah Jazz for the worst slate in the Western Conference.

Sabonis is expected to be in full health at the start of the new season. While it would be understandable if he held a grudge since the Kings wanted to move him in the summer, the three-time All-Star has always been the consummate professional.

In a report from ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Scott Perry, the Kings’ general manager, maintained that the 30-year-old Sabonis will “play hard.”

“I don’t think he knows any other way to play. So regardless of what may or may not have been, when Domas locks in, he’s going to come and compete. That’s my expectation,” said Perry.

“We need the best version of him this year, and for him to accomplish whatever goals and objectives he has as a player for the remainder of his career, he knows he’s got to play.”

Slater noted that Sabonis became extension-eligible in July. The Kings, however, are not considering offering him a new contract at the moment.

“Sabonis made it a point to travel to Las Vegas and sit with the Kings’ front office personnel courtside for one of their summer league games. Last week, he visited Perry in Sacramento for another meeting about their future together and the mutually beneficial need for him to play well,” wrote Slater.