Sacramento Kings’ Domantas Sabonis Signs $217 Million Contract Extension
Sacramento Kings’ All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis has agreed to a massive contract renegotiation and extension, securing his future with the team. Sabonis will earn a total of $217 million over the next five seasons, with $195 million being new money, according to his agents, Greg Lawrence and Jason Ranne of Wasserman.
The agreement was reached late on Saturday night, as the Kings used salary cap space to increase Sabonis’ earnings for the upcoming season. His 2023-2024 earnings have been raised to $30.6 million, thanks to an additional $8.6 million. Furthermore, the Kings have also included a four-year extension, which will see Sabonis receive nearly $200 million more over the course of his contract.
Despite having the opportunity to maximize his earnings, Sabonis prioritized the franchise’s roster-building flexibility over money. He discussed this with the Kings’ leadership, emphasizing his desire to contribute to the team’s success and competitiveness.
In addition to Sabonis’ contract extension, the Kings have been active in re-signing and acquiring key players. Starting forward Harrison Barnes will return on a three-year, $53 million contract, and the team has also signed EuroLeague star Sasha Vezenkov on a three-year, $20 million deal.
Contract renegotiations are relatively rare in the NBA, but a few notable instances have occurred in the past. The Oklahoma City Thunder renegotiated Russell Westbrook’s contract in 2016 after losing Kevin Durant to free agency, while the Houston Rockets did a similar renegotiation with James Harden in the same year.
Since joining the Kings in a trade with the Indiana Pacers in 2022, Sabonis has played a crucial role in the team’s resurgence. Last season, the Kings made their first playoff appearance in 16 years, with Sabonis earning a spot on the All-NBA Third Team. He averaged impressive statistics of 19.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. Sabonis also recorded numerous triple-doubles, second only to Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.
Sabonis’ impact goes beyond individual performances, as he played a pivotal role in the Kings’ offensive success. The team boasted the most efficient offense in NBA history, with Sabonis being one of only two players to average 12 rebounds and five assists while shooting at least 60%, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
With Sabonis committed to the Kings for the foreseeable future, there is great optimism surrounding the team’s continued success and growth. The franchise aims to build upon last season’s playoff appearance and establish itself as a formidable contender in the NBA.