The Sacramento Kings have officially closed the competitive portion of their season, with league sources confirming that the franchise's two highest-paid players, Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, underwent season-ending surgical procedures on Wednesday. This medical development eliminates any possibility of a late-season return for the star duo and signals a definitive shift toward future planning for an organization mired in crisis.
The timing of these operations reveals the harsh reality facing the Kings. With a league-worst 12-44 record and a devastating 14-game losing streak that has removed them from playoff contention for months, the franchise has no incentive to push injured players back onto the court. Instead, Sacramento turns its attention to a critical offseason that will determine the direction of the team for years to come. The decision to shut down both players reflects a pragmatic approach to a lost season, prioritizing long-term health over meaningless games.
Sabonis Battles Persistent Knee Issue
The Lithuanian center's season has been derailed by a persistent left knee problem that first emerged in mid-November. During a routine game action, Sabonis suffered a torn meniscus, an injury that can range from minor to severe depending on the location and extent of the tear. The Kings' medical staff initially recommended a non-surgical approach, hoping that rest, rehabilitation, and targeted strengthening could allow the All-Star big man to return without going under the knife.
This conservative strategy led to an extended absence spanning 27 games, during which Sabonis worked diligently to rebuild the stability and function of his knee. The rehabilitation process showed enough promise that he was cleared to return to action in late January, making his comeback in eight games prior to the All-Star break. During this brief stint, he demonstrated his typical productivity, posting double-doubles and facilitating the offense from the high post, suggesting that perhaps the non-surgical route might succeed.
However, the persistent nature of the tear, combined with the team's competitive freefall, ultimately made surgery unavoidable. Sabonis elected to undergo a full meniscal repair procedure rather than a partial meniscectomy, indicating a preference for long-term health over a quicker recovery. This choice typically requires a longer rehabilitation timeline—often four to six months—but preserves more of the knee's natural cushioning and reduces the risk of arthritis later in his career.
At 28 years old, Sabonis has established himself as one of the NBA's most versatile and productive centers. His unique skill set combines traditional post scoring with elite rebounding and exceptional passing vision, making him the focal point of Sacramento's offensive system. The Kings' commitment to him is substantial, with two years and $94 million remaining on his contract extension. This financial investment reflects his status as a franchise cornerstone, but also creates pressure for him to return to All-Star form next season.
LaVine's Hand Injury and Contract Crossroads
For Zach LaVine, the season ends due to a tendon injury in his right hand that has progressively worsened over recent weeks. The athletic guard managed to appear in 39 games before the All-Star break, contributing 19.2 points per contest while adjusting to his role within the Kings' offensive structure. However, the hand issue limited his shooting efficiency and caused him to miss five of his final ten appearances.
The decision to undergo surgical correction now rather than attempt to play through the discomfort reflects both the team's competitive reality and LaVine's personal career calculus. For a player whose elite skill set centers on explosive athleticism and perimeter shooting, any compromise to his hand function represents a significant threat to his effectiveness and earning potential.
The financial implications of LaVine's situation are substantial and complex. He holds a $48.9 million player option for the 2025-26 season, and all indications from league insiders suggest he will exercise that option to remain in Sacramento. This decision would secure his salary for another year but also limit the team's flexibility in free agency and trade negotiations.
LaVine's contract has been a topic of intense discussion among NBA executives since he signed the maximum deal in Chicago. The combination of his injury history, defensive limitations, and massive cap figure has made him a challenging asset to move, particularly for a team looking to rebuild. The Kings explored trading him before the deadline but found no takers willing to absorb the risk.
Front Office Dilemma and Failed Trade Efforts
The Kings' front office, now led by new general manager Scott Perry, faces a critical juncture in franchise history. Perry inherited a roster constructed with playoff aspirations but has watched it crumble under the weight of injuries, poor chemistry, and underperformance. The organization actively shopped both Sabonis and LaVine prior to the trade deadline, hoping to extract valuable assets and accelerate a rebuilding process.
However, the trade market for injured stars with massive contracts proved virtually non-existent. Potential trade partners expressed interest in both players' talents but balked at the risk-reward proposition of acquiring them at their current salaries without seeing them healthy. This failed trade exploration has forced Sacramento into a reactive position, stuck with two highly paid players who couldn't stay on the court to showcase their value.
Perry, who built a reputation for patience and strategic thinking during his time with the New York Knicks, must now craft a coherent plan for the offseason. The summer months will likely feature renewed trade discussions, but the Kings' leverage has diminished significantly. Any potential deal would likely require Sacramento to attach additional assets—such as draft picks or young players—or accept less favorable contracts in return.
The team's 14-game losing streak has created a toxic environment that no veteran wants to endure while nursing injuries. This reality made the surgical decisions easier, as neither player had motivation to rush back for meaningless games.
Future Outlook and Critical Decisions
With their veteran leaders sidelined, the Kings will use the final month of the season to evaluate their younger players and developmental prospects. Keegan Murray, the promising forward entering his third season, will see increased offensive responsibility. Davion Mitchell, Keon Ellis, and Colby Jones will compete for larger roles in next year's rotation.
This extended audition period, while difficult for fans to watch, provides crucial information for front office decision-making. The coaching staff can assess which players possess the mental toughness to compete despite lopsided scorelines and which ones might be better suited for different situations or even different organizations.
The financial commitment to Sabonis and LaVine represents over $70 million in combined salary if LaVine opts in, a massive figure for a small-market team. This limits flexibility and makes building a competitive supporting cast increasingly difficult. Sacramento must decide whether to retain both players and hope for better health, trade them at diminished value, or pursue a more radical rebuild.
The summer will be critical for Scott Perry's tenure and the franchise's future. With fan patience wearing thin after years of mediocrity, the organization must present a clear plan for returning to relevance. The surgeries of Sabonis and LaVine close a disappointing chapter, but they may also represent the beginning of a necessary transformation for Kings basketball.