The reasons why Domantas Sabonis re-signed with the Sacramento Kings

Upon stepping into the Golden 1 Center and receiving a heartfelt standing ovation from the long-suffering fans, Kings center Domantas Sabonis couldn't help but feel an instant sense of belonging in Sacramento. It was as if he had found a new home, and the fans seemed to share in the excitement of what his arrival could bring to the city.

Sabonis wasted no time in forging strong partnerships, particularly with point guard De’Aaron Fox. This dynamic duo quickly integrated into the organizational structure, which had finally found its footing under the leadership of owner Vivek Ranadive, general manager Monte McNair, assistant general manager Wes Wilcox, and coach Mike Brown. What was once a dysfunctional setup had transformed into something akin to a family, and Sabonis was embraced wholeheartedly by the organization.

These factors played a significant role in Sabonis' decision to commit to the Kings with a five-year, $217 million contract extension over the summer, as he recognized the genuine support and newfound unity within the team.

When asked about the moment when Sacramento started to feel like a long-term home, Sabonis replied, "I'd say it was Day 1 when I was traded and walked out to a standing ovation from the fans. I genuinely value all those moments, and the fans have played a significant role in making this place special for me, my family, and everyone involved."

As the Kings geared up for their preseason opener against the Toronto Raptors in Vancouver's Rogers Arena, discussions revolved around chemistry and continuity. Sacramento had essentially committed to a "run-it-back" strategy for the 2023-24 season after their remarkable achievement of winning 48 games and securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. This accomplishment ended the NBA's longest playoff drought, spanning 16 consecutive losing seasons. While the Kings did bring in potentially influential newcomers in Sasha Vezenkov, JaVale McGee, and Chris Duarte, the organization had immense faith in its core players, having led the league in scoring and even setting an NBA record for offensive rating in the previous season.

McNair managed to create a substantial salary cap cushion of more than $19 million for the upcoming season by executing a trade that sent Richaun Holmes and the 24th pick in the June NBA draft to the Dallas Mavericks. Rather than pursuing a marquee free agent, the Kings opted to capitalize on their enhanced salary cap flexibility. They chose to secure contract extensions for Sabonis and retain the experienced forward, Harrison Barnes, thus preserving the integrity of their starting lineup.

Sabonis reflected on the events of the summer, saying, "There were significant developments over the summer. An opportunity presented itself, and I'm genuinely pleased that the franchise has shown confidence in me, indicating a long-term commitment. My desire was to remain here, so when the opportunity arose, I eagerly embraced the chance."

In a major trade back in February 2022, Sacramento acquired Sabonis by sending Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield to the Indiana Pacers. At the time, the Kings faced criticism for parting with Haliburton, a rising star on a rookie contract, in exchange for Sabonis, who had only two full years left on his previous contract. However, in hindsight, the trade has proven to be mutually beneficial for both teams.

At 25 years old, Fox and 27-year-old Sabonis find themselves entering the peak years of their basketball careers. Fox, currently in the third year of a lucrative five-year, $163 million contract, achieved his inaugural All-Star selection last season. Meanwhile, Sabonis secured his third All-Star nod. Notably, Fox and Sabonis marked a historic achievement as the first Kings teammates to be named All-NBA in the same season since Oscar Robertson and Jerry Lucas accomplished this feat in the 1967-68 season. Both were selected to the Third Team, and it was the first time in their respective careers.

Sabonis emphasized the trust the franchise places in him and Fox to lead the team, and he expressed their shared excitement for this responsibility. Furthermore, Sabonis highlighted the significant role his partnership with Fox played in his decision to commit to a long-term extension with the Kings.

Sabonis emphasized the significance of having a dynamic guard of Fox's caliber, describing him as a superstar who excels in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game. He stressed that Fox's presence is invaluable, as demonstrated by their performance last year, and as a big man, playing alongside someone of Fox's caliber significantly simplifies his role on the court.