If you’ve watched a Sacramento Kings game lately, you might find yourself doing a double-take. Domantas Sabonis plays with the grit of a 15-year veteran but moves with the explosive energy of a kid just out of the draft. It’s a weird contradiction. You see him bullying 7-footers in the paint, then immediately sprinting the floor like a wing.
So, how old is Domantas Sabonis?
As of early 2026, Domantas Sabonis is 29 years old. He was born on May 3, 1996. This puts him right in that "sweet spot" of an NBA career. He’s old enough to have "old man strength" and a high basketball IQ, yet young enough that his body isn't breaking down from a decade of professional wear and tear. Honestly, he’s basically in the absolute peak of his physical prime.
Breaking Down the Sabonis Timeline
Time flies in the NBA. It feels like just yesterday he was the "young prospect" coming out of Gonzaga or the "throw-in piece" in the Paul George trade.
But the calendar doesn't lie.
Born in Portland, Oregon—while his legendary father, Arvydas Sabonis, was playing for the Trail Blazers—Domantas has spent nearly his entire life around professional hoops. He’s not just a product of the American system, though. Before he ever set foot on campus at Gonzaga, he was already playing pro ball in Spain for Unicaja Málaga.
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Think about that. At 16, while most of us were worried about driver's permits, he was banging bodies with grown men in the Liga ACB.
A Career by the Numbers
- Drafted: 2016 (11th overall by Orlando, then traded to OKC)
- Current Age: 29
- Seasons in the NBA: He is currently in his 10th season.
- All-Star Selections: 3 (and counting)
The fact that he’s 29 and already has three All-Star nods and multiple All-NBA selections speaks to how consistent he’s been. He isn't a "late bloomer" in the traditional sense; he’s been productive since his Indiana days, but his game has matured significantly since moving to Sacramento.
Why 29 Is the Magic Number for Big Men
In the NBA, 29 is often the year everything clicks for a center.
You’ve finally figured out the defensive rotations. You know exactly how much contact you can get away with before the refs blow the whistle. For Sabonis, being 29 means he has the physical bulk to handle the Jokics and Embiids of the world, but he hasn't lost that quick first step that makes him such a nightmare on the hand-off.
Current reports from the 2025-26 season show him averaging roughly 17.2 points and over 12 rebounds per game. Even with a nagging meniscus injury that sidelined him in late 2025, his impact when on the floor is undeniable. He’s currently rehabbing and expected to be back at 100% shortly, which is good news for Kings fans who are used to him being the "Iron Man" of the roster.
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The Arvydas Factor: Genetics and Longevity
It’s impossible to talk about how old Domantas is without mentioning his dad. Arvydas Sabonis didn’t even make it to the NBA until he was 31, and by then, his knees were essentially held together by tape and prayers.
Domantas has had a massive advantage.
He’s had world-class training since his teens. Because he entered the league at 20, his "basketball age" is high, but his "biological age" is still very much on his side. He hasn't suffered the same catastrophic injuries his father did at a young age.
When you look at other elite big men, 29 is usually when they start their most dominant 3-4 year run. We’re likely seeing the best version of Sabonis right now.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Age
There’s a common misconception that Sabonis is older than he actually is. Maybe it’s the beard. Maybe it’s the fact that he’s been in the league for a decade. Or maybe it’s just that he plays such an "unselfish, old-school" style of basketball.
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I've heard fans talk about him like he’s 33 or 34. Nope. He’s still younger than stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Joel Embiid.
Why the "Old Soul" Label Sticks
- Passing Ability: He sees the floor like a veteran point guard.
- Footwork: It’s clinical. He doesn't rely on pure verticality; he uses angles.
- Leadership: On a young Kings team, he’s often the vocal anchor.
Navigating the 2026 Season and Beyond
Going into the later half of the 2025-26 season, the big question isn't just about his age—it's about his durability. Coming off that meniscus scare in November, the Kings have been cautious. Smart move. You don't rush back a 29-year-old franchise cornerstone who is under contract through 2028.
He’s scheduled for a $45 million cap hit next season when he turns 30. That might seem like a lot, but for a guy who led the league in rebounding three years in a row (2023-2025), it’s the market rate for excellence.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're tracking Sabonis for fantasy basketball or just following the Kings' playoff push, keep these points in mind:
- Monitor the Recovery: Watch his lateral quickness in his first five games back from the knee injury. At 29, recovery takes a bit longer than at 22.
- The 30-Year Milestone: He hits the big 3-0 this May. Historically, elite rebounders like Sabonis maintain their production well into their early 30s because rebounding is about positioning and strength more than raw jumping ability.
- Contract Context: He’s locked in. There’s no "contract year" pressure here; he’s playing for a legacy and a deep playoff run.
The reality is that Domantas Sabonis is exactly where a pro athlete wants to be. He’s earned his stripes, he’s paid his dues, and at 29, he still has plenty of prime years left to help Sacramento chase that elusive hardware.
Check the injury reports for his official return date this January, as his presence in the lineup is usually the difference between a Kings win and a frustrating loss.