NBA Trade Rumors: Anthony Davis’ Hometown Return in Jeopardy as Bulls Target 6-Foot-10 European Center

Ever since reports emerged that the Dallas Mavericks were planning to explore Anthony Davis trades, many predicted the Chicago Bulls to be a potential suitor. The 10-time NBA All-Star hails from the city, and there have been previous links between the two.

However, a deal never materialized. It seems like things could stay that way as the Bulls are reportedly interested in 6-foot-10 center Domantas Sabonis. NBA insider Jake Weinbach reported on Wednesday that Chicago is a team to monitor for the European star.

"Domantas Sabonis is a name to monitor for the Bulls on the trade market," Weinbach wrote on X. "If the Kings are open to offers, Chicago can construct an enticing package that includes multiple assets. It’s also worth noting that Sabonis and Bulls EVP Artūras Karnišovas each have Lithuanian roots."

Jake Weinbach

@JWeinbachNBA

Domantas Sabonis is a name to monitor for the Bulls on the trade market. If the Kings are open to offers, Chicago can construct an enticing package that includes multiple assets. It’s also worth noting that Sabonis and Bulls EVP Artūras Karnišovas each have Lithuanian roots.

According to insider Jake Fischer, the Kings are open to trading everyone on their roster except Keegan Murray and Nique Clifford after they fell to 4-13.

NBACentral

@TheDunkCentral

The Sacramento Kings are reportedly willing to trade anyone on their roster except for Keegan Murray and Nique Clifford, per @JakeLFischer That means players like Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis, Keon Ellis, Malik Monk, and even Russell Westbrook could be available

Sabonis was key to their playoff return in 2023. However, the Kings haven't appeared in the postseason since. He hasn't played at that level since former co-star De'Aaron Fox and coach Mike Brown left the team.

Sabonis could be the Kings' best trade asset compared to Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.

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Why Domantas Sabonis might appear more tradeable than Anthony Davis at this point

Anthony Davis is a former champion and a member of the NBA's Top 75 team. There's no denying that his credentials and on-court impact are higher than Domantas Sabonis.

However, it's only if Davis can stay healthy. At 32, he isn't getting any younger, and injuries have again become an issue after a two-year stretch, where they weren't as much of a concern.

Anthony Davis has three years left on his $175.4 million contract, including this season. In the 2027-28 season, he can make $63.0 million if he opts into his contract (via Spotrac), which he likely will. Davis will be 35 then, and not many teams would be willing to take a hit in their cap flexibility.

On the other hand, Sabonis, 29, has rarely had availability concerns. He's younger than Davis and has three years, $146.9 million left on his contract, including this year. Sabonis will be 31 in the final season of this deal, making $48.6 million (via Spotrac).

The Mavericks might have a higher asking price for Anthony Davis than the Kings do for Domantas Sabonis. It's a question of risk-to-reward ratio, and most teams, especially the Bulls, would rather settle for a medium-risk move to add Sabonis than Davis.