Young Sabonis draws interest from California teams! Warriors and Clippers emerge as potential destinations: US media outline two major trade scenarios

On November 14th Beijing time, following a four-game losing streak, the Kings have fallen to 13th in the Western Conference standings. US media suggest that if the team keeps struggling, they may consider trading some veterans to free up salary cap space and stockpile additional draft assets. LaVine, DeRozan, and young Sabonis are the most obvious trade options.

Among these, young Sabonis is undoubtedly the most valuable trade asset. So far this season, Sabonis is averaging 15.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 49.5%. Previously, Kings reporter Stiles revealed that an NBA team located along a "highway corridor" in California is watching the feasibility of trading for young Sabonis.

“So when you want to trade for Sabonis, there really is a team — I heard it’s a nearby team — that might be interested,” Stiles said. “By ‘nearby,’ I mean the team along the highway corridor, and they could be considering bringing in Sabonis.”

Although Stiles did not explicitly name the team, speculation points to the struggling California teams, the Clippers and Warriors, as possible destinations for young Sabonis. Sports Illustrated has outlined potential trade proposals for these two teams —

1. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors boosted their strength last season’s trade deadline by acquiring Butler, and if they manage to get young Sabonis this season, they could once again shake up the league. As Butler recently mentioned following a loss to the Thunder, the Warriors indeed need to inject fresh energy into the team.

Young Sabonis commands a salary of $42.3 million this season, making it challenging to complete a deal without giving up core players. Nevertheless, to maximize Curry’s competitiveness in the twilight of his career, the Warriors will need to offer significant assets to acquire this star forward. A potential trade might include Kuminga (who can’t be traded until January 16), along with other salary-matching players and substantial draft compensation. Sabonis’s contract runs through the 2027-28 season, meaning the Warriors would be responsible for his salary for two more seasons after this one. However, pairing him with Curry, Butler, and Green to chase a championship might justify the investment.

Potential trade proposal

Warriors receive: Young Sabonis

Kings receive: Kuminga, Moody, Hield, 2026 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick swap rights, 2028 first-round pick

2. Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers are another team potentially interested in young Sabonis. Their biggest trade asset is John Collins’ expiring contract worth $26.6 million, which could largely match Sabonis’s salary. The Clippers could also add Bogdan and Bill (the latter currently undergoing season-ending surgery) to balance salaries. Both Bill and Bogdan have only one year left on their contracts, giving the Kings more leverage to demand additional draft picks from the Clippers.

Considering Sabonis’s salary is $45.5 million next season and $48.6 million in 2027-28, the Clippers might be reluctant to give up more than one first-round pick for him. However, if they believe an immediate turnaround is necessary after a poor start this season, they have the means to integrate this star forward alongside Harden, Leonard, and Zubac.

Potential trade proposal

Clippers receive: Young Sabonis

Kings receive: John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Bill, 2027 first-round pick (Thunder holds swap rights), 2029 first-round pick (top-three protected, 76ers hold swap rights for picks 4-30)

Do you think the Warriors and Clippers should compete to acquire young Sabonis? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.