Unlike several other trades that have taken place over the past weeks, the blockbuster deal that sent Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram and other significant assets hasn’t been finalized. That’s odd, to say the least, as an entire week has passed since the news broke. As a result, speculation is circulating that the LA Clippers may reroute Ingram, and a team he could end up on is the Sacramento Kings for Domantas Sabonis, a heavily criticized offensive machine.
To some, landing Sabonis for Ingram is a win for the Clippers, considering how elite his shot-making, playmaking, and rebounding are. But to others, adding Sabonis for a player who just made the All-Star team is a huge loss, as he has injury concerns and is far from a great defender.
So, what do the Clippers do?
The Clippers need to leave Domantas Sabonis alone at all costs
In the year 2026, it’s extremely clear Domantas Sabonis is a massive upgrade from Brook Lopez. On paper, he does so much more offensively, on all three levels, and can actually crash the glass, which is an area of need following the signing of Rui Hachimura.
However, Sabonis would face a number of troubles in the LA Clippers’ system from the moment he throws his jersey on, laces his sneakers, and steps foot in Intuit Dome.
Why? Well, for starters, Sabonis cannot defend. That’s been a major flaw of his for the longest time, and on a team that needs quality rim protection and quick feet, the big man would get played off the court in a heartbeat.
This is one of the very few advantages to rostering Lopez over Sabonis for the Clippers.
On top of struggling to guard, Sabonis is 30 years old and suited up for just 19 games last season.
The hope is that he’ll come back stronger than ever, but because he isn’t getting any younger, and the fact that he just endured a meniscus tear, along with notable back issues, there is certainly some fear in terms of how he’ll look come October.
And then comes Sabonis’ contract; he’s still owed a combined amount of over $94 million over the next two years.
That said, it’s truly in the Clippers’ best interest to steer clear of Sabonis on the trade market. The three-time All-Star has pros and cons, and in the grand scheme of things, a player like him is not worth Ingram, who actually fits in LA.
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