The Sacramento Kings are staring down the barrel at a complete teardown. Among the worst teams in the league this season, the current roster composition and draft assets they possess cannot inspire fans with much optimism about their chances moving forward, either.
As a result, a fire sale on trades might be the best-case scenario for the franchise. Among the players on the roster, Domantas Sabonis might be the one to fetch them the biggest return. However, in a potential trade involving their best player, the team has its eye on one particular player on the Toronto Raptors.
Kings Want Foundational Block In a Domantas Sabonis Trade
At 6-21, they are 13th in the Western Conference, with a roster comprised of veterans like Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Russell Westbrook. However, in the modern-day NBA, that unit isn’t winning many games.
As a result, the franchise might be better off starting over from scratch with a few foundational pieces. According to NBA Insider Michael Scotto, that blow-up could result in Sabonis finding a new home in the north.
“It’s also worth noting that dating back to the summer, the Raptors expressed exploratory interest in Kings center Domantas Sabonis, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote. For Toronto, it would be a chance to figure out the one area where they are really struggling.
One of the more surprising success stories of the year, the Raptors are third in the Eastern Conference with a 17-11 record, despite going through a stretch of mediocre basketball in the middle.
With their pieces clicking, the roster is without any glaring holes, except for the center spot. Jakob Poeltl as the starter and questionable depth behind him isn’t a recipe for success in any universe, and it appears they are seeking an upgrade.
MORE: Domantas Sabonis Trade Rumors: 3 Teams on $186,016,000 Kings Star’s ‘Short List of Possible Suitors’
However, as Sotto would continue to say, the interest in Sabonis might come at a steep price. “Should those Sabonis talks ever reignite with Toronto, it’s worth noting that Kings general manager Scott Perry drafted Raptors swingman RJ Barrett when he was with the Knicks and remains fond of him.”
So, it’s clear that Barrett isn’t completely exempt from any trade talks. Brought in as part of the OG Anunoby trade soon after the New York Knicks gave him a four-year, $107 million deal, he has developed into a steady hand for the Raptors.
Averaging 19.2 points on an uber-efficient 50.6% from the field, he also provides high-quality defense at the forward spot, and at 25, is young enough to fit into the new timeline that Sacramento might be looking to adopt.
