The Toronto Raptors are running out of time to make a final decision about whether or not RJ Barrett fits their plans for the 2025-26 season. The trade deadline is less than two weeks away and Barrett is as polarizing as ever before.
In the event that the Raptors opt to part ways with the talented swingman, there's an obvious potential trade partner they should consider: The Sacramento Kings.
Sacramento is in the midst of a turbulent season that's revealed expected flaws in the front office's design. While Toronto has disproven those who insisted their unorthodox strategy would fail, the Kings haven't been quite as fortunate at 12-33. As such, change could be afoot.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Raptors are looking to capitalize on the changes the Kings could undergo by trading for All-NBA big man Domantas Sabonis.
"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."
Though it's not a rumor, Amick appropriately made note of a connection between the Kings and Raptors: Barrett and Kings general manager Scott Perry.
"It’s worth noting that the Raptors’ RJ Barrett, who is owed $27.7 million this season and $29.6 million next season, was drafted No. 3 overall out of Duke by current Kings general manager Scott Perry in 2019, when Perry held the same position with the Knicks."
Considering the Kings have an aging roster and need to replace several veterans with players either in or not yet entering their prime, Barrett certainly makes sense for Perry to target.
RJ Barrett's Scott Perry connection makes Kings valid Raptors trade partner
The Kings invested heavily in a roster that has stylistically clashed in unavoidable ways. One of the primary issues has been the inability to develop defensive consistency with an aging starting lineup that includes 37-year-old point guard Russell Westbrook and 34-year-old wing DeMar DeRozan.
To make matters worse, the Kings reunited DeRozan with 30-year-old shooting guard Zach LaVine despite the two experiencing limited success during three seasons as teammates with the Chicago Bulls.
There have thus been calls for the Kings to blow up their current core and bring in younger players who can help unearth a sustainable formula for success. Barrett could check that box as a productive and unselfish 25-year-old wing who excels as both a scorer and a facilitator.
In addition to getting younger along the wings, the Kings would be adding a proven shot creator who's averaging 19.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.9 three-point field goals made on .496/.355/.689 shooting.
The optimistic take here is that trading Barrett to the Kings would help the Raptors acquire Sabonis. Barrett's salary would go a long way toward making the finances align, while his talent and athleticism would instantly bolster Sacramento's long-term outlook.
Though it's unclear if the Kings are open to acquiring Barrett, the connection with Perry certainly stokes the flames of the speculative fire.
Much can be said about the pros and cons of Toronto pursuing Sabonis, but their interest has been consistently reported. It's easy to understand why, as he's a three-time All-NBA honoree and a rebounding machine who ranks among the best passing big men in the Association.
The wheels aren't necessarily in motion on Barrett being traded to the Kings, but it's safe to wonder if Perry is at least somewhat intrigued by the idea of reuniting with the player he drafted.