Can Warriors Get an Unlikely Duo of Keon Ellis, Domantas Sabonis?

Seeing Domantas Sabonis and Keon Ellis carrying a Golden State Warriors uniform is certainly a weird factor to see. However, in return, the Sacramento Kings would obtain a promising bundle constructed round younger expertise and helpful future draft picks.

That’s a situation the place two franchises are probably headed in reverse directions-one chasing a title now, one other retooling for long-term development.

Warriors Land Sabonis and Ellis

For the Golden State, including Sabonis instantly adjustments the complexion of their roster. According to FadeAway World, the All-Star massive man averages 17.2 factors, 12.2 rebounds, and three.6 assists whereas taking pictures over 51 % from the sphere. For the previous 5 years, the Dubs have relied on massive males who can guard the rim. However, the Lithuanian heart is constructed in a different way: he can shoot, drive to the basket, and even change into a menace from the three-point line.

Apart from that, his inside playmaking offers the Warriors the type of passing hub they have not had since Andrew Bogut’s period. With two years and practically $100 million left on his contract, Sabonis is seen to be a serious funding, however one which aligns completely with Stephen Curry’s remaining prime.

Keon Ellis provides one other necessary element the Warriors have been lacking: dependable perimeter protection. He’s scoring 7.5 factors per sport whereas taking pictures a formidable 46 % from three and pressuring ball-handlers at a stage Golden State hasn’t persistently seen since Gary Payton II’s breakout stretch. His vitality and defensive instincts might fill a gaping gap within the Warriors’ rotation.

Kings Lock Up Young Stars, Future Picks for New Identity

For Sacramento, this deal marks a pivot towards a brand new timeline. Headlining that group is Jonathan Kuminga, who posts 13.8 factors and 6.6 rebounds per sport and boasts star-level upside because of his elite athleticism and two-way upside. With Kuminga, the Kings have a franchise constructing block they will anchor for years.

Veteran Buddy Hield and sophomore Trayce Jackson-Davis provide a balancing impact on the wage construction. While Hield is mired in a tricky stretch, he does have an expiring deal price actual worth. Young, low cost, and unfinished, Jackson-Davis has splendid traits for any group claiming a brand new path.

Of course, Moses Moody arrives as one other robust developmental piece. His 41.9 % three-point taking pictures and elevated scoring output present he is prepared for a much bigger function, one thing Sacramento might provide instantly.

Adding within the 2026 and 2031 first-round picks provides a stage of long-term flexibility. The 2031 choice, specifically, might change into extraordinarily helpful because the Warriors finally transfer effectively past the Curry period.

Sabonis-Kellis Duo Can Change the Curry Era

Golden State could be going all-in to maximise yet another deep playoff run within the pursuit of one other championship, whereas Sacramento acknowledges its limitations and pivots towards a youth-driven rebuild with high-upside prospects and future draft capital.

On paper, the commerce matches each groups. The solely actual query is whether or not both entrance workplace is prepared to make the leap.