The Sacramento Kings are sort of in a tough spot right now, with guys who could be seen as win-now players like Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, and DeMar DeRozan. Although, when you consider that the Kings are among a competitive Western Conference landscape, their assortment of players doesn't necessarily stand out as true championship contenders, let alone gaining any real traction to threaten their more formidable foes.
However, it seems Sacramento is stuck in a scenario where they’ll need to maximize their window to compete. As recent rumors suggest, they are pursuing veteran guard Russell Westbrook. Now, as odd as it might be to hear this, according to Kings reporter Matt George on X, it appears Sacramento is exploring trades for Malik Monk or young Devin Carter before bringing the former MVP to town.
Malik Monk was also mentioned in the trade rumor, and he's been linked to Toronto on previous occasions. However, the focus of this piece is the latter: Devin Carter.
Raptors should be all over Devin Carter... if the rumors are true
Getting to the point I addressed in the title: the Raptors once called up Sacramento’s lineup to acquire a defensive stud, and in the process of that deal, they absolutely made out like bandits (even if Toronto eventually decided to cut Davion Mitchell loose down the line). It’s clear Toronto has a history of swinging the trade wheel in their favor when Sacramento is involved.
Looking at Carter’s fit within the Raptors’ structure, I believe the second-generation player has a wealth of skill to contribute on the defensive end.
At the recent 2025 Summer League, Devin Carter posted some impressive stats: 14.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and close to a block (0.8) per game. The efficiency could have used some work, sitting at 40.5% from the field and 28.9% from three.
Carter's rookie year wasn't anything spectacular, as he was barely used, but a small sample size in the G-League highlights how strong the 23-year-old can be if utilized properly. Through five games with the Stockton Kings in 2024–25, Carter averaged 26.6 points on 51.7% field goal shooting, 38% from three, 9.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, two steals, and 1.2 blocks per game.
Sure, it might be setting up the Raptors with another logjam at the guard spots, with guys like Jamal Shead and newcomer Alijah Martin already in the fold, not to mention Immanuel Quickley, who is most likely set to hold that starting role. But the opportunity for Toronto to find a possibly Jalen Suggs–esque guard is highly evident in Carter. And I think, through using FanSpo's trade machine, there is certainly an avenue where a deal could be reached that benefits both sides.
Ochai Agbaji (whom I am a huge fan of) might not be able to cut it long-term with the Raptors, as he's bound for a new deal soon. While I thought he’d be traded a while back, he remains on the team. What does Agbaji provide as a player? The perfect 3-and-D wing for the Kings to boast. I think Sacramento’s rumored pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga might complicate this, but a hypothetical trade of Agbaji and some second-round picks could do the trick to get Carter up north.