Sacramento Kings’ star center, Domantas Sabonis, has reached a monumental agreement with the team for a contract renegotiation and extension worth a staggering $217 million over five seasons. His agents, Greg Lawrence and Jason Ranne of Wasserman, have confirmed that the deal includes $195 million in new money. The formal agreement was finalized late on Saturday night.
In a bold move, the Kings utilized their salary cap space to provide an additional $8.6 million, raising Sabonis’ earnings for the 2023-2024 season to an impressive $30.6 million. Furthermore, the team has also secured a four-year extension for Sabonis, ensuring that he will earn nearly $200 million more throughout the duration of his contract.
Despite having the opportunity to maximize his earnings, Sabonis, who is 27 years old, prioritized the Sacramento Kings’ roster-building flexibility over personal gain. He extensively discussed this decision with the team’s leadership, displaying his commitment to the franchise’s long-term success.
As negotiations for Sabonis’ contract were being finalized, the Kings also secured the services of starting forward Harrison Barnes on a three-year, $53 million contract. Additionally, the team reached an agreement with EuroLeague star Sasha Vezenkov, offering him a three-year, $20 million deal. These signings highlight the Kings’ commitment to strengthening their roster for the upcoming seasons.
It is worth noting that contract renegotiations are relatively uncommon in the NBA. However, a few notable examples include Oklahoma City renegotiating Russell Westbrook’s contract in 2016 following Kevin Durant’s departure to the Golden State Warriors in free agency. The Houston Rockets also engaged in a less lucrative renegotiation with James Harden in the same year.
Since joining the Kings in a trade from the Indiana Pacers in 2022, Sabonis has played a pivotal role in the team’s resurgence. In the recently concluded season, which marked the Kings’ return to the playoffs after a 16-year absence, Sabonis showcased his exceptional skills and was recognized with a spot on the All-NBA third team. He averaged an impressive 19.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. Notably, only Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets recorded more triple-doubles than Sabonis.
Sabonis’ impact on the Kings’ offense cannot be overstated. He was an integral part of the most efficient offense in NBA history, showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. In fact, according to ESPN Stats & Information research, Sabonis was one of only two players to average 12 rebounds and five assists while shooting an impressive 60%.
Domantas Sabonis’ commitment to the Sacramento Kings is evident through his decision to prioritize the team’s long-term success over personal earnings. The lucrative contract extension and renegotiation solidify his role as a key player for the franchise. With the support of players like Harrison Barnes and Sasha Vezenkov, the Kings are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming seasons.
Leave a Reply