The Toronto Raptors have quietly put together a strong campaign this season, sitting at 30-21 as the All-Star break looms. That’s a solid place to be in a wide-open Eastern Conference, but it hasn’t quieted the trade buzz swirling around the team. In fact, it’s only intensified it.
One name that keeps surfacing in trade talks? Sacramento Kings All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis.
According to league sources, the Raptors and Kings have discussed a potential deal centered around Sabonis. The reported framework includes RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, and first-round draft compensation heading to Sacramento.
One name not on the table? Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles.
The Kings have asked, but Toronto’s made it clear he’s off-limits.
Now, before Raptors fans start photoshopping Sabonis into a red and black jersey, it’s worth noting that the odds still favor Sabonis staying put in Sacramento-at least for now. But with the trade deadline looming on Thursday, nothing’s off the table.
The Kings, for their part, haven’t been idle. They recently pulled off a multi-team deal that sent Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis to the Cavaliers and brought back De’Andre Hunter, with the Bulls also involved in the mix. It’s a move that signals Sacramento is still tinkering with its roster, trying to find the right balance heading into the stretch run.
So what would Sabonis bring to Toronto? Simply put: a massive boost in the frontcourt.
Poeltl has struggled to stay on the floor this year, and Sabonis would instantly upgrade the Raptors’ interior presence. He’s one of the league’s most versatile bigs-an elite rebounder, a gifted passer, and a reliable scorer who could help unlock a new level of offensive flow for Toronto.
A starting lineup featuring Sabonis would give the Raptors one of the more complete units in the East. And in a conference where no team has truly separated itself, that kind of balance could be the difference between a first-round exit and a deep playoff run.
Of course, any deal involving RJ Barrett would sting. The Canadian wing is in the midst of a breakout season, and his two-way play has been a major part of Toronto’s success. But the Raptors have quietly built up some serious depth on the wing, with Brandon Ingram playing some of his best basketball-even if the All-Star voters didn’t give him his due.
The clock’s ticking. The trade deadline hits Thursday afternoon, and the Raptors are back in action Wednesday night at home against the Timberwolves.
Whether they take the floor with their current core or a new-look lineup remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: Toronto is in the thick of the playoff picture, and they’re not just happy to be there-they’re looking to make noise.