With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching on February 5, the Toronto Raptors remain a team to watch-and not just for minor moves. According to multiple league sources, Toronto is still keeping tabs on Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis, even as the Kings work to reintegrate him following a two-month absence due to a torn left meniscus.
Sabonis recently returned to the floor in a 128-115 win over the Washington Wizards, and while Sacramento is understandably easing him back into action with a minutes restriction, that hasn’t done much to quiet the trade chatter. The Kings have reportedly fielded offers for the All-Star center, and Toronto's name continues to surface in those conversations.
League insider Jake Fischer noted that while the Raptors have made it clear they’re not pursuing Memphis guard Ja Morant-despite the Grizzlies being open to talks-there’s still real intrigue in Toronto’s front office when it comes to Sabonis. He’s the kind of high-IQ, versatile big who fits the mold of what the Raptors have historically valued: a skilled passer, a strong rebounder, and someone who can anchor an offense without dominating the scoring load.
Toronto’s interest in Sabonis also aligns with the broader sense around the league that the Raptors are gearing up to be one of the more aggressive teams at the deadline. As one Eastern Conference front-office source put it, the Raptors are “ready to strike.” They’ve been linked not only to Sabonis but also to Lakers star Anthony Davis-though it's unclear how realistic a move for AD would be given the complexities involved.
What’s clear is that the Raptors are exploring multiple avenues to upgrade their frontcourt. With Jakob Poeltl still battling back issues, Toronto is looking for a reliable interior presence who can step in and contribute right away. That’s where Sabonis-and perhaps other names like Trey Murphy III from the Pelicans-come into play.
Toronto has reportedly had conversations with New Orleans about Murphy and other pieces, signaling that the front office is casting a wide net. But the underlying theme remains consistent: the Raptors want to add a frontcourt piece, and they’re looking to do it while also dipping below the luxury tax threshold. That’s a tricky needle to thread, but not impossible with the right deal.
Whether it’s Sabonis or another frontcourt upgrade, Toronto is clearly not content to stand pat. With the deadline just around the corner, expect the Raptors to stay active-and potentially bold-as they try to reshape their roster for the stretch run.