Domantas Sabonis, the son of Lithuanian basketball legend Arvydas Sabonis, has carved out a stellar career in the NBA, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier big men. With his combination of skill, work ethic, and basketball IQ, Sabonis has become a cornerstone for the Sacramento Kings and a two-time NBA All-Star. His journey from a basketball-rich upbringing to NBA stardom is a story of determination, legacy, and growth—both on and off the court.
In this deep dive, we’ll explore Domantas Sabonis’ basketball roots, his rise in the NBA, and his growing net worth as he continues to solidify his place among the league’s elite.
Basketball Royalty: Growing Up in the Sabonis Household
Born on May 3, 1996, in Portland, Oregon, Domantas Sabonis was destined for basketball greatness. His father, Arvydas Sabonis, is regarded as one of the greatest European basketball players of all time, known for his unique combination of size, skill, and passing ability. Arvydas had a successful career in Europe before joining the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers in the mid-1990s, where he became a beloved figure.
Growing up in a basketball family, Domantas was immersed in the game from an early age. His father’s success and reputation opened doors, but it also placed immense pressure on him to live up to the Sabonis name. Despite the expectations, Domantas embraced the challenge and showed early signs of following in his father’s footsteps.
Domantas’ childhood was spent in both the United States and Lithuania, and by his teenage years, he had developed into a standout player. His decision to play professionally in Spain rather than the U.S. high school circuit was a pivotal moment in his development.
Early Career: A European Foundation
Sabonis began his professional basketball career at the age of 16 with Unicaja Málaga, a top team in the Spanish ACB League. His time in Spain helped him develop a strong fundamental skill set, honing his basketball IQ, passing, and shooting abilities. While playing for Unicaja, Sabonis competed against some of the best talent in Europe, gaining valuable experience that would later serve him well in the NBA.
Despite being eligible for the 2014 NBA Draft, Sabonis chose to play college basketball in the United States to further develop his skills and gain more exposure. He committed to play for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, one of the top basketball programs in the U.S.
Gonzaga Success: Rising NBA Prospect
Domantas Sabonis made an immediate impact at Gonzaga University. In his freshman season (2014-2015), he played a key role in helping Gonzaga reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, showcasing his ability to dominate the boards and finish around the rim. His skill set was far beyond his years, with his court vision, post moves, and rebounding making him a standout in college basketball.
In his sophomore season (2015-2016), Sabonis elevated his game even further, averaging 17.6 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. His versatility as a big man who could pass, shoot, and defend made him one of the most coveted prospects in the 2016 NBA Draft. After leading Gonzaga to another NCAA Tournament appearance, Sabonis declared for the draft.
NBA Draft and Early Career: Finding His Place
In the 2016 NBA Draft, Sabonis was selected with the 11th overall pick by the Orlando Magic, but was immediately traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of a deal that sent Serge Ibaka to Orlando. Playing alongside Russell Westbrook in his rookie season (2016-2017), Sabonis showed flashes of potential, but he was mostly used as a stretch forward and wasn’t given a significant offensive role.
After his rookie season, Sabonis was traded to the Indiana Pacers in a blockbuster deal involving Paul George. This move marked a turning point in his career, as Sabonis found a team that would allow him to fully showcase his talents. Under head coach Nate McMillan, Sabonis thrived, particularly in a role as a playmaking big man off the bench.
Indiana Pacers: Emergence as an All-Star
Sabonis’ breakout season came in 2019-2020 when he averaged 18.5 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, earning his first NBA All-Star selection. His unique ability to score, rebound, and facilitate the offense from the post made him a versatile weapon for the Pacers. Sabonis became known for his high basketball IQ, excellent footwork in the post, and passing ability that allowed Indiana’s offense to flow through him.
Sabonis continued to grow into a star over the next few seasons, earning another All-Star nod in 2021. His ability to excel in multiple areas—rebounding, scoring in the paint, passing, and even improving his outside shot—made him one of the most complete big men in the NBA. Sabonis developed a reputation as one of the league’s top double-double machines, regularly ranking among the leaders in rebounds and points per game.
Despite personal success, the Pacers struggled to find playoff success during his tenure, leading to speculation that Sabonis could be traded as part of a rebuild. That speculation became reality in 2022 when Sabonis was traded to the Sacramento Kings.
Sacramento Kings: A New Chapter
In February 2022, Sabonis was traded to the Sacramento Kings in a blockbuster deal that sent Tyrese Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers. The trade was viewed as a bold move for the Kings, who had been struggling to return to playoff contention for years. Sabonis immediately made an impact on the Kings, bringing leadership, basketball IQ, and an inside presence that the team desperately needed.
In the 2022-2023 season, Sabonis became the cornerstone of the Kings’ offense, forming a dynamic duo with De’Aaron Fox. His presence in the paint and ability to facilitate the offense helped rejuvenate the team’s fortunes, and Sacramento began making strides toward becoming a competitive force in the Western Conference.
Sabonis’ contributions on both ends of the floor, combined with his leadership, have made him the focal point of the Kings’ long-term plans, and he remains one of the most respected players in the league.
Domantas Sabonis’ Net Worth
As of 2023, Domantas Sabonis has an estimated net worth of $15 million to $20 million. Much of his wealth comes from his lucrative NBA contracts, endorsements, and his international basketball career. His net worth is expected to rise significantly as he continues to grow in stature in the NBA and explore further endorsement opportunities.
NBA Contracts
Sabonis’ career earnings from the NBA have been substantial. In 2019, he signed a 4-year, $77 million contract extension with the Indiana Pacers, which secured his financial future and reflected his value as one of the league’s top forwards. His annual salary from this deal averages around $19 million per year, placing him among the higher-paid players in the NBA.
With Sabonis becoming a key figure in Sacramento, he is expected to command another large contract extension when his current deal expires, which will only increase his net worth.
Endorsements
Sabonis has also earned income through endorsements, though his deals are not as high-profile as some of the league’s other stars. He has worked with brands like Nike, which sponsors many NBA players, and is likely to continue building his endorsement portfolio as he further cements his place in the league.
Family Legacy and Influence
Beyond his individual success, Sabonis carries the weight of the Sabonis legacy. His father, Arvydas Sabonis, is still regarded as one of the best big men to ever play the game, particularly for his time in Europe and the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers. Domantas has never shied away from his family name, often crediting his father’s influence and mentorship for shaping his basketball journey.
However, Sabonis has also made it clear that he is focused on forging his own path, creating a legacy that stands apart from his father’s. His drive, talent, and dedication to improving every aspect of his game have helped him carve out his own identity as one of the NBA’s most versatile players.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Sabonis?
At 27 years old, Domantas Sabonis is entering his prime years as a professional basketball player. His role as a key player for the Sacramento Kings places him in a position to lead the franchise back to playoff relevance. With the Kings’ young core, including De’Aaron Fox, Sabonis is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s success in the years to come.
Sabonis’ versatility and skill set also make him a valuable asset in today’s NBA, where big men are increasingly expected to do more than just score in the paint. His ability to pass, shoot, and rebound at an elite level gives him a chance to continue being an All-Star-caliber player for years to come.
Final Thoughts: A Star on the Rise
Domantas Sabonis has come a long way from his days playing basketball in Europe to becoming a centerpiece of an NBA franchise. His journey is a testament to his hard work, skill, and basketball intelligence, and he’s firmly established himself as one of the best big men in the league.
As Sabonis’ career continues to flourish, his legacy, like his father’s, will likely be remembered not only for his on-court achievements but also for the impact he’s made on the game of basketball, both in the U.S. and internationally. With a bright future ahead and a growing net worth, Sabonis is on track to leave an indelible mark on the sport.