The Golden State Warriors will head into this offseason with the same pressing need they’ve faced for the past several seasons: a long-term, high-level solution at the center position.
With Al Horford holding a player option for the 2026-27 season and Kristaps Porzingis entering unrestricted free agency, the Warriors risk losing both veterans. That would leave the talented but still-developing Quinten Post as the primary anchor in the middle. While Post has shown he can hold his own, head coach Steve Kerr would undoubtedly prefer a proven star to stabilize the frontcourt for a championship-contending window.
Enter Domantas Sabonis.
The three-time All-Star has established himself as one of the most complete big men in the NBA — an elite rebounder, versatile scorer, and exceptional playmaking hub from the high post. Sabonis has particularly thrived in structured, fast-paced offensive systems, making him a natural stylistic fit alongside Stephen Curry and the Warriors’ motion-heavy offense.
Now, a bold trade proposal could bring him to the Bay Area.
The Proposed Deal
Golden State Warriors Receive: Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk Sacramento Kings Receive: Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, a 2028 first-round pick (top-8 protected), and a 2032 second-round pick
This deal would represent a significant swing for both franchises, particularly given the divisional rivalry. The inclusion of a protected first-round pick is likely essential to make the Kings even consider doing business with their Northern California neighbors.
Why the Warriors Would Do This Deal
Jimmy Butler has been a solid contributor since arriving in Golden State, but his availability remains a major question mark. He is expected to miss significant time next season due to injury, and even upon his return, there are no guarantees he will regain his elite form quickly enough to power a deep playoff run.
Trading Butler would be emotionally difficult given his impact, but the basketball upside is compelling. Sabonis directly addresses Golden State’s most glaring roster weakness, providing a high-level starter who is still firmly in his prime. His ability to rebound, facilitate, and score at a high level would create a more balanced and resilient frontcourt.
Additionally, acquiring Malik Monk would be a major bonus. The guard is a reliable offensive threat who can score off the catch or create off the dribble, while possessing enough playmaking ability to serve as a tertiary ball-handler. He projects as an excellent complement to Curry or a dynamic sixth-man spark.
Why the Kings Would Do This Deal
For Sacramento, the appeal centers on flexibility and long-term asset accumulation. Butler is in the final year of his two-year, $110.9 million contract and will hit unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2027. His expiring deal would provide the Kings with valuable cap relief or a useful midseason trade chip, giving them options as they navigate a potential rebuild or retooling phase.
Moses Moody, 23, adds immediate youth and upside. The wing has already shown flashes of being a versatile scoring threat and could continue developing alongside young talents like Keegan Murray and Maxime Raynaud. Combined with the 2028 first-round pick (top-8 protected) and the 2032 second-rounder, Sacramento would be receiving meaningful assets in exchange for absorbing one year of Butler’s salary.
A Win-Win on Paper?
While this remains a thought exercise — there is no guarantee the Warriors are aggressively pursuing Sabonis or that the Kings would be willing to trade with a division rival — the framework makes strategic sense for both sides.
For Golden State, it would mark a decisive move to fortify the frontcourt and build around Curry’s remaining prime years. For Sacramento, it would accelerate their path toward flexibility and future assets.
If this deal were to materialize, the Warriors could be adding not just a new starting center, but the foundation for a renewed frontcourt dynasty in the Bay Area.