Why the Raptors Were Right to Pass on Domantas Sabonis at the Deadline
Let’s get this out of the way: Domantas Sabonis is a talented player. A three-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA Third Team selection, and twice the league’s top rebounder - his résumé speaks for itself.
When he’s healthy and operating in a system that plays to his strengths, Sabonis can be one of the most versatile big men in the game. His passing out of the post, rebounding instincts, and ability to initiate offense from the elbow make him a unique weapon.
But talent alone doesn’t always equal fit - and for the Toronto Raptors, that distinction mattered.
The Price Tag Problem
Sabonis is in the midst of a substantial contract that will see him earn over $42 million this season, with that number climbing to $45 million next year and $48 million the season after. That’s a serious investment, especially for a team like Toronto that’s already navigating some tricky cap decisions.
The Raptors have been clear in their intent to manage their payroll more carefully moving forward. Bringing in Sabonis wouldn’t have aligned with that strategy. In fact, it would’ve done the opposite - locking them into another expensive deal for a player who, while skilled, isn’t a guaranteed game-changer in their current system.
Fit Over Flash
There’s no denying that Sabonis offers more star power than Jakob Poeltl. But basketball isn’t just about stacking talent - it’s about cohesion, roles, and maximizing what you already have.
Jakob Poeltl may not have Sabonis’ offensive ceiling, but he knows the Raptors' system, and when healthy, he fills a clear need defensively and on the glass. Head coach Darko Rajakovic made it clear that the team was focused on getting Poeltl back to full strength rather than chasing a splashy trade. That wasn’t lip service - it was a strategic stance.
Sabonis, for all his strengths, has limitations on the defensive end. He can be targeted in pick-and-roll coverage and doesn’t offer the rim protection Toronto often leans on. And offensively, he tends to operate in similar areas to Brandon Ingram - a factor that could’ve created spacing issues, especially if the Raptors plan to build around their current core.
The Cost of a Gamble
Beyond the salary, there was the issue of what it would’ve taken to land Sabonis. The Raptors were reportedly unwilling to part with their first-round draft capital - a wise move considering where the team is in its development cycle. Any deal for Sabonis likely would’ve included moving Poeltl in a three-team trade, with Memphis potentially involved.
Instead, Toronto opted for a lower-risk, more flexible route by acquiring Trayce Jackson-Davis - a move that flew under the radar but makes a lot of sense. TJD gives them a chance to evaluate a young, athletic big man on a team-friendly contract with a club option this summer. That’s a far cry from committing nearly $150 million over three years to a player who may not elevate their ceiling enough to justify the cost.
Lessons Learned
Sure, in hindsight, the Raptors might wish they had been more cautious with some of their recent deals - particularly the extensions for Poeltl and Immanuel Quickley. But that’s all the more reason to avoid compounding those decisions with another high-risk move.
Adding Sabonis would’ve been a swing - but not necessarily a smart one. Toronto isn’t one piece away from contending. They’re still figuring out their identity post-rebuild, and locking into another massive contract for a player with defensive concerns and a questionable fit would’ve been more about making noise than making progress.
In the end, the Raptors chose prudence over panic. They addressed their need for size with a controllable asset, preserved their draft capital, and kept their financial flexibility intact.
That’s not flashy. But in a league where bad contracts can set you back years, it’s the kind of decision that can quietly help a team stay on track.
Sometimes, the best moves are the ones you don’t make.