Raptors & Kings Discuss Major Trade
As starting centre Jakob Poeltl continues to nurse a bad back (never a good injury for a 7-foot NBA big man), the Toronto Raptors are looking to take steps to fortify their centre spot.
While Anthony Davis's name has been out there, a much more realistic and viable option for Toronto is available. The Sacramento Kings are looking to embark on a complete reset, and divest themselves of their costly veterans.
The Raptors have had their eye on Domantas Sabonis, who would be a perfect fit for their lineup. According to insider Evan Sidery, the two teams are talking trade, and RJ Barrett would be the main piece heading to Sacramento in such a deal.
The Kings and Raptors have recently conducted exploratory trade talks centered on Domantas Sabonis.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 22, 2026
Sabonis would fit well into Toronto’s offensive scheme as a playmaking hub for Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram.
Sacramento is eyeing RJ Barrett as the primary player in return. pic.twitter.com/5PfzWQAWst
Sabonis is a three time All-star who led the NBA in rebounding the previous three seasons. He averaged over 19 points, 13 boards and 7.0 assists over that time.
The 6'10", 29-year-old has two more seasons to run on his contract after this one, at $45M and $48M.
Barrett is a Toronto born hometown kid that the Raptors obtained along with Immanuel Quickley in the OG Anunoby trade with the New York Knicks. He's been a reliable scorer and playmaking forward, and consistently averages about 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4+ assists. He has just one year remaining after this one, at $29.6M.
The Raptors would need to make up another $10-$15M in salary to get a deal done for Sabonis, and while Ochai Agbaji's $6.3M is a starting point, they'd need to find a little more. But the Kings have no interest in the massive long term deals of Quickley or Poeltl.
The teams got a close up look at each other Wednesday night as they tipped off in Sacramento. But Sabonis wasn't on the floor. Although he has been back for a few games this week, he missed two months with a partial meniscus tear in his left knee. He's still undergoing "load management".
Photo: © Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
