Breaking News: Thunder Set To Reunite With Former $217 million Star In Blockbuster Trade Scenario
Breaking News: Thunder Poised for Blockbuster Reunion With Former Star Domantas Sabonis
As the Oklahoma City Thunder await the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals, their eyes are not just on a potential NBA championship—but also on a seismic roster move. In a stunning development, the Thunder are reportedly in talks to reunite with former All-Star Domantas Sabonis in a blockbuster trade scenario that could reshape their long-term future.
The Thunder have been dominant all season long, finishing with the NBA’s best regular-season record and storming through the playoffs en route to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012. Despite being pushed by the reigning champion Denver Nuggets in a hard-fought second-round series, Oklahoma City displayed the depth, poise, and firepower of a legitimate title contender.
Still, Thunder executive Sam Presti appears far from satisfied. With a stockpile of young talent and an unprecedented number of draft picks, the Thunder are in a unique position to continue upgrading even as they contend for a title. The potential acquisition of Sabonis signals just that—a bold attempt to solidify their core and extend their championship window for years to come.
Sabonis, currently with the Sacramento Kings, is a three-time All-Star and one of the NBA’s premier big men. A versatile offensive force, he averaged a double-double this season and continues to be among the league leaders in both rebounds and assists among centers. NBA analyst Greg Swartz weighed in on the fit, saying, “Sabonis would be a supercharged version of Isaiah Hartenstein next to Holmgren in the frontcourt—someone who rebounds at a high level, is a terrific passer, and can score from all three levels.”
The pairing of Sabonis and Thunder breakout star Chet Holmgren would give Oklahoma City one of the most skilled and versatile frontcourts in the league. Holmgren’s rim protection and floor-spacing would perfectly complement Sabonis’s playmaking and inside presence, creating matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.
Sabonis’s connection to Oklahoma City adds an emotional layer to the deal. Drafted by the Thunder in 2016, he spent just one season with the franchise before being traded to the Indiana Pacers as part of the Paul George deal in 2017. Ironically, that trade eventually led to the acquisition of current Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who came over from the Clippers in the George blockbuster two years later.
Bringing Sabonis back would not only complete a compelling full-circle narrative—it would also bring a proven veteran into a Thunder locker room filled with rising stars. Alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey, Sabonis would add a layer of playoff experience and interior dominance that could elevate Oklahoma City from contender to dynasty-in-the-making.
The proposed trade could cost the Thunder some of their draft capital and one or more young players, but with such a deep and flexible roster, the franchise has the assets to get it done without mortgaging its future. Moreover, Sabonis is under contract for several more years as part of a $217 million extension he signed with the Kings, giving the Thunder long-term security at the position.
As the Thunder prepare for their shot at the 2025 NBA title, the potential return of Sabonis adds intrigue to an already captivating postseason. Regardless of how this year ends, Oklahoma City appears intent on building a sustainable powerhouse—and reuniting with Sabonis could be the next major step in that journey.
