Cavs, Hawks linked to Domantas Sabonis trade

The The Sacramento Kings are quickly approaching a tipping point. With a 3-11 start and their star trio Domantas SabonisDeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine fails to connectLeague insiders say the rival teams are bracing for the possibility of a full lineup change in Sacramento.

And according to NBA insider Matt Moore of FanSided, two intriguing teams could emerge as suitors if Sabonis becomes available: Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks. He added that the idea was not reporting, but “speculative.”

While nothing is imminent, the insider noted that the Cavaliers have had multiple conversations with the Kings in recent years, including discussions last season involving Jarrett Allen and even three teams with New Orleans.

Idea: Cleveland has long been open to major roster upgrades, and Sabonis, an elite offensive center, rebounder and handoff creator, certainly qualifies in terms of pure talent.

But the fit is complicated. Sabonis is a defensive liability in deep playoff environments, and Cleveland already runs a small backcourt with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. Adding Sabonis would put an additional burden on the perimeter defense.

A counterargument? The Cavs may believe that Evan Mobley’s elite defensive versatility could cover Sabonis’ weaknesses, much like the Kings rely on their length and rotations around him. Offensively, a Mobley-Sabonis frontcourt would be one of the most skilled passing big man duos in the league.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks emerge as another dark horse option, but only if the franchise finally faces the long-debated question of Tree Young’s future.

A potential All-Star trade involving Young and Sabonis was presented as a conceptual framework rather than a report, but an insider emphasized that pairing Sabonis with newly acquired Kristaps Porzingis could appeal to Atlanta’s front office.

With Porzingis as a protector and defenders throughout the roster, Sabonis’ weaknesses could be better isolated.

Still, questions about the composition remain. If Atlanta moves forward with a Sabonis-KP frontcourt, what happens when a healthy Jaylen Johnson returns? Who moves to the bench?

No deals are active, but with Sacramento reeling, trade vultures are circling and Cleveland and Atlanta are watching closely.