The Toronto Raptors have been one of the more intriguing stories in the NBA this season. Sitting at 30-21 as the All-Star break nears, they’ve managed to exceed expectations with a mix of gritty defense, balanced scoring, and a roster that’s starting to gel.
But with the trade deadline looming on Thursday, the front office isn’t standing pat. One name that’s surfaced 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 that would send RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, and first-round draft compensation to Sacramento. However, Toronto has reportedly drawn a firm line when it comes to rookie Collin Murray-Boyles. The Kings have shown interest in the young forward, but the Raptors aren’t budging-he’s not on the table.
That said, don’t pencil Sabonis into a Raptors jersey just yet. While talks have taken place, the prevailing belief around the league is that Sabonis is more likely to stay put in Sacramento past the deadline. Still, this is the NBA-where things can change in a hurry-and no deal is ever truly off the table until the buzzer sounds.
The Kings have already made some noise ahead of the deadline, shipping out Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis in a three-team deal that brought in De’Andre Hunter from the Cavaliers, with the Chicago Bulls also involved. That move signaled Sacramento’s intent to tweak the roster around its core-but whether that core remains untouched, especially with Sabonis, is the big question.
From Toronto’s perspective, adding Sabonis would be a major swing. He’s one of the most skilled big men in the league, a nightly double-double threat who brings elite passing, rebounding, and interior scoring. With Poeltl struggling to stay on the court this season, Sabonis would immediately solidify the frontcourt and elevate the Raptors’ starting five into one of the most complete units in the East.
Of course, the price would be steep. RJ Barrett is in the midst of the best season of his career, finally finding consistency and confidence on the offensive end.
Losing him would sting. But the Raptors do have some cushion on the wing, thanks in large part to Brandon Ingram’s strong play.
Ingram, who many felt deserved an All-Star nod, has been a steady force and could help offset the loss of Barrett if a deal were to go through.
For now, it’s a waiting game. The Raptors host the Timberwolves on Wednesday night in what could be the final game for some key pieces in a Toronto uniform. With the East wide open and the deadline fast approaching, all eyes are on the front office to see whether they make a bold move-or stay the course with the group that’s gotten them this far.