Could Domantas Sabonis Be a Trade Target? Raptors Reportedly Showing Interest in Kings Star
As the NBA trade season starts to pick up steam, all eyes are on teams looking to make the leap from competitive to legitimate contenders. And when that happens, front offices start scanning the league for difference-makers - players who can shift the balance of power.
One name that’s starting to surface in those conversations? Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis.
Sabonis, a three-time All-Star and perennial double-double machine, is reportedly drawing interest from multiple teams - including the Toronto Raptors, who’ve emerged as one of the more intriguing squads in the Eastern Conference this season. According to league insider Jake Fischer, Toronto is exploring ways to upgrade its frontcourt, and Sabonis is firmly on their radar.
Raptors Looking to Bolster the Frontcourt
At 16-11, the Raptors have surprised a lot of people early on. They're sitting near the top of the East, and while players like Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes have helped fuel that rise, Toronto's frontcourt still leaves room for improvement - especially on the glass.
The numbers tell the story: Toronto ranks 23rd in total rebounds, 22nd in defensive rebounds, and 21st in offensive boards. That’s not the kind of profile you want heading into the second half of the season, especially in a conference where teams like Milwaukee, Boston, and Cleveland can punish you inside. That’s where Sabonis comes in.
Sabonis: A Proven Force in the Paint
If you’re looking for rebounding help, there aren’t many better options than Sabonis. Over the past three seasons, he’s led the league in rebounds - a rare feat in today’s NBA. From 2022 to 2025, he averaged 19.2 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game, blending old-school interior toughness with modern playmaking ability.
Even in a shortened stint this season due to a left knee meniscus injury, Sabonis was still producing at a high level. Through 11 games, he averaged 17.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 51 percent from the field. That kind of consistency, especially in the dirty work areas of the game, is exactly what a team like Toronto could use.
What Would a Trade Look Like?
Of course, acquiring Sabonis won’t come cheap. He’s under contract through the 2027-28 season, with three years and $97.6 million remaining on his deal. That’s a significant commitment - but for a team looking to solidify its core, it might be worth it.
Toronto has some pieces that could help make the math work. Immanuel Quickley ($32 million), RJ Barrett ($27 million), and Jakob Poeltl ($19 million) all offer potential salary-matching options. Whether Sacramento would be interested in any of those players is another question entirely - but the framework is there if both sides want to get serious.
Sacramento’s Situation
For the Kings, the Sabonis conversation is complicated. This isn’t a rebuilding team - they’re trying to win now, and Sabonis has been a central part of that push. But with a new general manager in Scott Perry and a roster that still feels like a bit of a puzzle, Sacramento is reportedly taking a patient approach.
That doesn’t mean they’re unwilling to listen. With the December 15th trade eligibility window now open - meaning players signed in the offseason can officially be moved - the next few weeks could bring clarity. December 16th also marks the deadline for a player to be traded and still have their salary aggregated in another deal by February 5th, which could lead to some creative maneuvering around the league.
What’s Next?
For now, Sabonis remains in Sacramento, and there’s no indication a deal is imminent. But this is trade season in the NBA - where one phone call can flip the script. Toronto’s interest is real, and if they continue to climb the standings while struggling on the glass, the pressure to make a move will only grow.
Whether it's Sabonis, Anthony Davis, or another frontcourt upgrade, the Raptors seem ready to make a push. And if Sacramento decides to shake things up, Sabonis could become one of the biggest names on the trade block.
For now, it’s a waiting game - but don’t be surprised if the Kings and Raptors find themselves in the middle of some serious trade chatter as the February deadline approaches.