Breaking News: Thunder Set To Sign $217 million Star to co-star SGA and Jalen Williams in Blockbuster Trade Scenari
The Oklahoma City Thunder are reportedly preparing for a major roster shakeup that could send shockwaves through the NBA. According to multiple sources, the Thunder are in advanced trade discussions to acquire All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis from the Sacramento Kings. The deal, if finalized, would pair the $217 million star with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) and Jalen Williams, forming one of the league’s most dynamic trios.
The potential acquisition comes as the Thunder await the outcome of the Eastern Conference Finals to learn who they will face in their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012. OKC, who finished the regular season with the league’s best record, has steamrolled through the playoffs—though they were pushed to the limit by the defending champion Denver Nuggets in the second round. Now, with a championship within reach, the front office appears focused not only on the present but on building a future dynasty.
Sabonis, a former Thunder draft pick in 2016, has evolved into one of the NBA’s most complete big men during his time with the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings. The 6-foot-11 center is coming off another stellar season, averaging a double-double while displaying elite rebounding, passing, and scoring skills. The Thunder view him as a transformative piece in their pursuit of long-term contention.
One league executive described Sabonis as “a supercharged version of Isaiah Hartenstein” when paired with Chet Holmgren in the frontcourt. “He brings elite-level rebounding, vision, and the ability to score from all three levels. His fit in OKC’s system would be seamless,” the source added.
While Holmgren has quickly established himself as a defensive force and floor spacer, the addition of Sabonis would give the Thunder a versatile interior presence who can both facilitate offense from the post and provide much-needed physicality in the paint. The duo could potentially mirror the dynamic frontcourts of past contenders while still maintaining the Thunder’s trademark pace-and-space identity.
From a financial standpoint, Sabonis is under contract for the next several seasons after signing a $217 million extension with the Kings. The Thunder, who have been disciplined with their cap space and possess a trove of draft assets, are one of the few teams capable of absorbing his deal without compromising future flexibility.
The trade would likely involve a package centered around young talent and draft capital, which Oklahoma City has in abundance. Players like Josh Giddey, Ousmane Dieng, or even future first-round picks from their war chest could be part of the deal. Sacramento, on the other hand, may be looking to reset around De’Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray after failing to make a significant leap in the Western Conference standings.
Bringing Sabonis back to Oklahoma City would also add a poetic twist to his NBA journey. Drafted 11th overall by the Thunder in 2016, he was included in the trade that brought Paul George to OKC—a move that ultimately set the stage for the current SGA-led era after George was flipped to the Clippers. Now, Sabonis has the chance to return not as a prospect, but as a fully formed star ready to help deliver a title.
As the Finals approach, the Thunder’s front office is clearly not content with just reaching the big stage. They are aiming to stay there. Adding Sabonis to a core already brimming with young talent and playoff experience would not only enhance their title hopes now—it could solidify their status as a perennial powerhouse in the years to come.
