The Raptors already made their splash by bringing Kawhi Leonard back into the fold, and now the conversation in Toronto has shifted to what comes next. Leonard is still working back toward full strength, but the bigger buzz around the team is whether the front office goes after another major piece to put next to him.
That’s where Domantas Sabonis enters the picture. Sports Illustrated’s Eric Sperlazza floated the Kings big man as a possible blockbuster target for Toronto, pointing to the Raptors’ previous interest and the financial puzzle that once got in the way.
“The Raptors have shown interest in Sabonis dating back to last season’s trade deadline, but the sticking point was Jakob Poeltl’s contract. Poeltl opted into his player option this season, which was for $19.5 million, but the Raptors inexplicably signed him to a three-year, $84 million extension in 2025 along with that. Now he’ll be set to make $28 million a year on average for the next three seasons, right about in line with what the Kings are paying Keegan Murray,” Sperlazza wrote.
Leonard’s return timeline remains a key storyline, too. NBA insider Brett Siegel reported that Toronto is moving him closer to game action after a positive step in his recovery.
“The Raptors say Kawhi Leonard has successfully completed treatment for his left knee swelling and will begin the return to play process. His status will be updated in one week,” NBA insider Brett Siegel wrote.
Sabonis would bring exactly the kind of force Toronto could use. He’s a double-double machine, a strong rebounder, and a player who gives real value on offense. The defensive questions are there, but the idea is that Leonard and Scottie Barnes could help cover some of that ground.
There’s also a broader fit issue that makes the idea easy to see. Toronto would get bigger, tougher and harder to deal with, especially in a crowded Eastern Conference. If the Raptors believe they can compete now, or see a chance to land major value, this is the kind of swing they would consider.
Sabonis is under contract for $186 million with the Kings, and before the season there was already chatter that he might want out of Sacramento. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst pointed to the agent change as something worth watching.
“I do think it's somewhat interesting that he changed agents this offseason," ESPN's Brian Windhorst said." He hired Aaron Mintz from CAA.
This last year, Mintz and his group executed the trade for Trae Young away from Atlanta. They executed the trade for Walker Kessler away from [the Jazz ].
Domantas Sabonis just hired him. At the risk of parodying myself, why would he do that?”
For Toronto, the appeal is obvious. Sabonis would give them another physical presence alongside Leonard, and the Raptors are clearly trying to build something that can make noise over the next couple of years. After an average start to the season, a player like Sabonis could be the jolt they’re looking for.
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Hines has been described as the sort of center who can anchor the middle in a straightforward, old-school way, something that still carries value even in a league built around versatility. For Toronto, the appeal is less about any immediate decision and more about fit, timing and whether a player like Hines keeps developing into the kind of interior presence the Raptors could use down the line. The draft is still far off, but he is the type of prospect that can stay on a teams radar if the need remains the same. [Read more 🡒]