Sacramento Kings All-Star Domantas Sabonis is reportedly “not enthused” about playing alongside rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. as trade speculation continues to surround his future.
The Sacramento Kings have been one of the NBA’s worst teams to start the new season, opening the campaign with six straight losses. With the team struggling, Sacramento could become one of the main teams to watch for potential moves as the trade deadline approaches.
The Kings have handed a major role to rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr., who currently leads the team in scoring. At the same time, veterans such as Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis are expected to remain involved in trade discussions throughout the season.
According to NBA insider Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, there is some belief that Sabonis could be moved this season.
Deveney noted that teams looking to add size could show interest in the former All-Star. He added that if Sabonis is not traded during the season, Sacramento could look to move him next summer, when he is set to enter the final year of his contract.
Insider also reported that Sabonis is not particularly enthusiastic about playing alongside a ball-dominant guard like Acuff, while the Kings are not interested in re-signing Sabonis.
“As for the Kings, they’re sitting on two contracts that come in at nearly $50 million each this season–Zach LaVine, whose deal is expiring, and Domantas Sabonis, who has another year. The team has been given over to low-efficiency chucker Darius Acuff, which is only hurting the value either player might have on the market, which was limited to being with,” Deveney wrote.
“Sabonis has some hope, because teams always need size, and if he is not traded this season, he should be dealt off next summer. The Kings have no interest in keeping him there, and he is not enthused about playing with a ball-dominant guard like Acuff. But getting a first-rounder for him would be a major score, and a longshot,” he added.
Acuff Jr. sets historic production for NBA career start
Darius Acuff
Credit Getty Images via AFP – Scanpix
Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. started his first three career games breaking a record not seen in 50 years as he attempted 73 field goals over these three matchups.
The previous mark belonged to Kevin Durant, who attempted 64 shots in his rookie season.
Acuff has attempted another 71 shots in his previous six games, totaling 144 shots over the start of his career so far.
The shots have converted into production, as he is averaging 26.3 points per game, falling into the top 10 of highest PPG averages of the season currently.
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