The Sacramento Kings are keeping their options open ahead of the trade deadline - and that includes the possibility of moving Domantas Sabonis. According to multiple league sources, the Toronto Raptors have emerged as a serious suitor for the All-Star big man, and right now, they’re viewed as the most realistic landing spot if a deal does materialize.
But this isn’t a straightforward swap. While the Raptors are clearly in the market for frontcourt help, they’re also exploring other options beyond Sabonis.
Toronto continues to monitor players like Daniel Gafford from Dallas and Day’Ron Sharpe from Brooklyn. There’s even still some buzz - at least from within Anthony Davis’ camp - that the Raptors could make a play for the 10-time All-Star.
That’s a long shot, but it speaks to how aggressive Toronto is trying to be as the deadline approaches.
One major complication in any Sabonis-to-Toronto scenario? Jakob Poeltl.
The Raptors big man is owed nearly $104 million over the next four seasons, and that contract is a hurdle that would need to be cleared before any serious Sabonis talks could move forward. Sacramento reportedly has no interest in taking Poeltl back in a deal, which means Toronto would have to find a third team willing to absorb that contract - a tough ask in the middle of the season.
Given those logistics, there’s a real chance this doesn’t get done by the deadline. Some around the league believe the Kings and Raptors could revisit the conversation in the offseason, when there’s more flexibility and time to work through the moving parts.
Meanwhile, the Kings have already been busy.
Sacramento’s recent trade with Cleveland and Chicago - which brought in De’Andre Hunter and sent Keon Ellis to the Cavs - has drawn some scrutiny. While Hunter fills a clear need as a two-way wing, the broader picture raises questions about the Kings’ long-term vision.
Just last summer, Sacramento brought in Dario Šarić in a cost-cutting move and used the extra cap space to sign Dennis Schröder to a three-year deal. Now, both players are gone - essentially flipped at a loss just seven months later.
Hunter’s contract, which includes a salary for the 2026-27 season, now pushes the Kings over the projected luxury tax line for next year. That’s a significant financial commitment for a team still trying to establish itself as a consistent playoff threat in the West.
The ripple effects of that deal are also being felt elsewhere. Golden State had reportedly shown interest in Keon Ellis, so his move to Cleveland likely takes the Warriors out of any trade talks involving Jonathan Kuminga heading to Sacramento. And with Hunter now in the fold, the Kings’ urgency to add another forward has probably cooled.
As for the point guard spot, don’t expect Ja Morant to be walking through that door.
Despite his talent, Morant doesn’t fit the mold that GM Scott Perry is trying to build around - players who make an impact on both ends of the floor. There’s also skepticism that Morant would be open to signing a long-term extension with Sacramento, and the front office is well aware of that. That makes a potential trade highly unlikely, at least in the short term.
And finally, there’s Zach LaVine.
League sources say the high-scoring guard is expected to pick up his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season. That’s not surprising - opting out would likely mean leaving a lot of money on the table.
But that massive cap hit is a major reason why the Kings (and other teams) are hesitant to make a move for LaVine right now. Barring a major shift, it’s hard to see him being dealt before the deadline.
Bottom line: The Kings are active, but cautious. They’re exploring high-upside moves like Sabonis-forwards swaps or big-name additions, but financial realities and roster fit are keeping them grounded.
With the deadline looming, Sacramento is walking a tightrope - trying to balance short-term competitiveness with long-term flexibility. Whether they make a splash now or wait until summer, the next few months will be pivotal for the franchise’s trajectory.