The Toronto Raptors love being part of NBA trade rumors. And if a deal goes down for Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis in the next 48-plus hours, it sounds like the Raptors may be the team acquiring his services.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer on a Bleacher Report live stream, the Raps remain in the mix for the three-time All-Star:
"We are still hearing that the Toronto Raptors remain a likely — if not the most likely — suitor for the Kings' All-Star big man if he is going to be traded between now and Thursday's trade deadline."
That sounds legit. It's also the perfect trade for these Raptors to make at this point in time. The Raptors would have to sacrifice a lot to add him, but he's a real difference-maker. For a team like the Bulls (who Sabonis has also been linked to) he makes no sense.
For the Raptors, who are looking for one more guy to raise their ceiling in a winnable East, he makes a lot of sense. And they should pester the Kings until this deal is done.
Raptors would have to pay premium price for Domantas Sabonis
Sabonis has two years left on his contract after 2025-26, so he's no rental for any team that acquires him. And that's fine for the Raptors, who clearly foresee themselves competing for years to come.
But it also means that the return package going back to Sacramento would hurt. A trade of Sabonis for Immanuel Quickley, Ochai Agbaji, and Gradey Dick does work financially, for the record. I know that's a lot — it pains me even more to say the Raptors might have to throw in a pick to sweeten the deal.
If the Raptors think Sabonis is the final piece that takes them from a good team to a title-contending team, then any trade package is worth it, even if that package includes young talent and a pick. Also, these are the Sacramento Kings, so maybe the Raps front office can make out like bandits.
Either way, the Raptors are near-contenders with the No.20-ranked offense in basketball. Adding one of the most offensively talented big men in the league feels like a pretty good way to shore up some of the issues on that side of the court. If there ever was a perfect trade target, Sabonis may be it. Go get it done, Bobby!