Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA Free Agency: the best and worst contract re-ups thus far

By Eric Fritts

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 29: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 29, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 29: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 29, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next

Domantas Sabonis – Renegotiation and extension 5 years/$217 million -Sacramento Kings

Kings. NBA.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 28: Domantas Sabonis #10 holds back De’Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings as he reacts to a foul call in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 28, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Kings 117-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

Domantas Sabonis’ deal is a little more complicated than most. The Kings needed to renegotiate his current contract in order to give the All-NBA center a proper extension. This deal works for all involved on multiple levels.

First, it takes care of a franchise piece. Sabonis was a critical part of the King’s best season in decades. His play justified the deal it took to acquire him, which sent out highly talented guard Tyrese Haliburton. The trade proved to be a rare occurrence of being beneficial for both sides.

What’s also notable is Sabonis didn’t take the full max here. He wanted to leave some room for the Kings to build around him and fellow All-NBA player, De’Aaron Fox this offseason. This was a critical step for Sacramento in both the immediate future and looking down the road. The teams around them in the West will continue to get better and as a franchise, the Kings need to stay agile if they want to remain out of their previous despair.

However, there is some potential downside here. Sabonis did not perform well in the playoffs and renegotiating and extending might seem risky. But it was necessary. The Kings aren’t a free-agent destination, they need to take care of the players they have. This mean’s not only taking care of Sabonis but also giving him the benefit of the doubt, understanding he has room to improve his postseason play. This is especially true considering he was playing through several injuries including being stomped on by one Draymond Green.