NBA Trade Rumor: Blockbuster Deal Lands Domantas Sabonis With Raptors

The Toronto Raptors continue to hold a spot in the Eastern Conference top 4, but their need for another center can't be ignored. Jakob Poeltl's back troubles have hampered him big-time this season, and the team needs another 'five' to take on some big minutes.

We've heard of their supposed interest in Anthony Davis, but another All-Star center has become even more prominent in talk surrounding the Raptors, that of Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis.

The Raptors continue to be mentioned time and time again as a landing spot for All-Star Domantas Sabonis, per @BrettSiegelNBA pic.twitter.com/MLuLRGiwFf
— Hoops Alerts (@TheHoopsAlerts) January 8, 2026

Brett Siegel of Clutch Points writes that he is continually hearing the Kings' center linked to the Raptors.

It seems like so many conversations since the new year have branched off to Toronto and Sabonis, which can't be a coincidence.

Siegel goes on to propose a potential trade that the two teams could think about, given Sacramento's need for a new point guard for their future.

Given the Raptors' previous interest in Malik Monk as well, Siegel proposed the following as a framework for a blockbuster deal:

Toronto Raptors receive:

Domantas Sabonis
Malik Monk
Keon Ellis

Sacramento Kings receive:

Immanuel Quickley
RJ Barrett

Siegel says a potential deal like that "raises an eyebrow." And while he admits that he doesn't know if such a swap is being discussed between the two, "it could be a potential framework if these teams get serious."

"Perhaps there is more to the constant questions being asked about the Kings and Raptors, especially considering Toronto has two players Sacramento executive Scott Perry drafted when he was with the New York Knicks: Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett."

Raptors could land Sabonis, Monk & Ellis in proposed blockbuster

In addition to filling a huge role down low with Sabonis, Monk could replace some of the scoring left by losing Barrett in such a scenario, and Ellis, who is a sought-after trade candidate around the league, provides a strong defender on the perimeter for Toronto. How the Raptors would replace Quickley at the point is a question that isn't answered.

Sabonis, it should be noted, has been out since mid-November with a partial meniscus tear in his left knee. He's still at least another couple of weeks away from a possible return.

For the Kings, they would finally fill their big hole at point guard left when they traded De'Aaron Fox last season, and Barrett would provide a strong scorer who knows how to get to the rim, and can distribute the ball as well.