Domantas

Sabonis

For quite some time now, it has been believed that Duren and the Pistons were far apart in their negotiations on a new deal. While the 2026 All-Star struggled during the postseason, Monday’s report is shocking. Not only will Duren meet with the Kings at the beginning of free agency, but he’ll do so to work out a sign-and-trade with the Pistons. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Kings plan to offer Domantas Sabonis to the Pistons to get a deal done. Of course, Detroit can always refuse to do so, especially if they decide to simply match whatever offer sheet Duren signs. If Duren were to move on, that would put the Pistons in the market for a new starting center, which could affect the market for a player like New York’s Mitchell Robinson.

The scuttlebutt surrounding the Kings heading into the February trade deadline was that the team would look to move some of its veterans to kickstart a reset of the roster. No one was moved, and Sabonis underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn left meniscus during the All-Star break. The veteran center once again being the subject of trade rumors is unsurprising, especially considering the Kings’ struggles and current salary cap situation. The Kings hold the seventh overall pick in this month’s draft, and Sabonis’ future could affect that, as well as Maxime Raynaud. Raynaud earned second-team All-Rookie honors and started 56 of the 74 games he played.

Sunday was the second time this season in which Raynaud grabbed at least 15 rebounds in a game, the first being a 19-rebound effort against the Pelicans on February 9. The 7-foot-1 rookie has provided solid fantasy value since moving into the starting lineup for the injured Domantas Sabonis, ending Week 23 rostered in 43 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Raynaud’s rookie campaign has been an encouraging one, but his fantasy outlook for 2026-27 depends on Sabonis’ status, as he would offer limited value if relegated to the bench.

Raynaud put together another strong line on Thursday in what’s been a rookie season filled with them. With Domantas Sabonis officially out for the season (knee), the path appears clear for Raynaud to be Sacramento’s full-time starting center for the remainder of the year. As he’s proven throughout the season in a starting role, the production should remain so long as his health does too. Raynaud is someone fantasy managers should consider making a move for, if possible.

Sabonis, who missed the Kings’ last four games before the All-Star break with a back injury, had been dealing with a partially torn meniscus suffered in mid-November. Per Wednesday’s report, the veteran center has already undergone the surgical procedure to repair the tear and is done for the season. Sabonis only played in 19 games this season, averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 0.9 steals in 29.7 minutes. With Dylan Cardwell (ankle) out for at least four weeks, the Kings will rely even more on Maxime Raynaud in the middle. The second-round pick is a must-add player.

Sabonis will miss a fourth straight game with a back issue that has lingered for some time. Maxime Raynaud will remain the starting center, with Dylan Cardwell picking up additional minutes off the bench.

Sabonis will sit out for a third straight game, and it’s unclear if he’ll return prior to the All-Star break. Until Sabonis returns. more minutes will be available for rookies Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell. Both are worth a look as potential “silly season” standouts.

Sabonis has missed Sacramento’s last two games and four of its last five with a lower back issue. Rookie Maxime Raynaud has been his replacement in the starting lineup, with Dylan Cardwell taking on an enhanced role off the bench. That may become the norm down the stretch, as the Kings appear destined for the draft lottery.

Sabonis’ continued absence means that Maxime Raynaud will remain in the starting lineup. Given where the Kings are in the standings, it remains to be seen how much Sabonis plays the rest of the season. Raynaud and fellow rookie Dylan Cardwell will have added fantasy value moving forward.

Sacramento’s opening lineup on Friday includes Maxime Raynaud, who is starting in place of the injured Domantas Sabonis (back). Raynaud has done a nice job during his rookie season when asked to start, and could play a key role against Los Angeles. Both the Kings and Clippers are seeking a win, each riding a multiple-game losing streak.