With the Toronto Raptors lurking behind the front-running Detroit Pistons in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, the team might be looking to add some additional firepower for the rest of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Toronto Raptors Reportedly Interested in Star Big Man
One trade possibility involves Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis, who could provide scoring and rebounding help in the frontcourt. Sabonis is averaging 15.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 53.9% from the floor. He has only appeared in 17 games this season due to injuries.
This potential deal for Sabonis is broken down in focused detail by NBA senior writer Sam Amick of The Athletic. Sabonis, drafted in 2016 by the Orlando Magic, rose to stardom after successful stints with the Indiana Pacers and now with the Kings.
“While Washington, Phoenix, and Chicago are known to have had some interest in Sabonis, league sources confirmed reports that Toronto is a legitimate possibility as we approach the deadline,” Amick wrote.
Sabonis is in the middle of a four-year, $186,016,000 contract that he signed with the Kings, according to Spotrac. Of that, $175,616,000 is guaranteed, and Sabonis has an average annual salary of $46,504,000. This season, Sabonis will earn a base salary of $42,336,000.
Amick noted that Raptors forward RJ Barrett, who is owed $27.7 million this season and $29.6 million next season, was drafted No. 3 overall out of Duke in 2019 by current Kings general manager Scott Perry, who held the same position with the Knicks at the time. He added that Barrett and Perry shared a warm hug and an extended conversation before a game at Golden 1 Center.
The Toronto Raptors are emerging as a legitimate landing spot for Domantas Sabonis, with RJ Barrett potentially being sent to Sacramento, per @sam_amick
“While Washington, Phoenix and Chicago are known to have had some interest in Sabonis, league sources confirmed reports that… pic.twitter.com/ZdYKKp7giJ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 28, 2026
All of these factors will go into play should the Raptors consider acquiring Sabonis from the Kings.
This season, Barrett is averaging 19.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 49.4% from the floor. In addition to Barrett, other players the Raptors are reportedly considering including in trade packages are Immanuel Quickley and Jakob Poeltl, both of whom carry sizable contracts.
At this moment, the Kings are 12-36 on the season and just might be willing to part with some assets, including Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, and Keon Ellis. The NBA trade deadline is set for 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 5.
