With all the trade talk surrounding the Toronto Raptors — whether it's Anthony Davis discussions or the resurfacing Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors — it's becoming increasingly clear that Toronto has staked their claim (voluntarily or involuntarily) as a top contender for superstar talent.
While the idea of acquiring a top-level player to help the Raptors push through the wide-open Eastern Conference is a fans' dream (depending on what they’re willing to give up, of course), several NBA insiders like Jake Fischer, Josh Lewenberg, and Michael Scotto have reported that Toronto is primarily focused on improving their frontcourt depth.
But aside from AD and Giannis, there is one other star NBA player being linked to the Toronto Raptors as a potential target, and that is Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis. In the latest Fischer report for Marc Stein's Substack (subscription required), he mentions that "Sources with knowledge of the Raptors' thinking have identified them as a team with interest in Domantas Sabonis as well as Davis."
And the latest from HoopsHype's Michael Scotto further emphasizes the rumored interest in the former three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA talent. Scotto writes: "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."
Raptors rumored to have trade interest in Domantas Sabonis
Now, while Sabonis is undoubtedly a talented player, possessing a very versatile skillset of efficient scoring on the inside and the three-ball, superb rebounding (league-leader in 2023-24 and 2024-25), elite playmaking at his position, and an overall smooth feel for the game — Sabonis' potential addition could also just put the Raptors back into the same position they are in now with the current core.
He's definitely an upgrade from Jakob Poeltl, sure, but Sabonis doesn't quite address the Raptors' urgent need for a strong, burly big who can provide solid rim protection. I also don't see him as the most nimble player out there, which would just be overlap given that Poeltl is already quite slow-footed himself.
More importantly, Sabonis has been out of action with a meniscus tear, which definitely raises reasonable concern. Not to mention, he's making over $42 million this season, with an even higher salary in the next two years. While targeting Sabonis could be seen as a bold and alternative move if all else fails to go as planned, the Raptors might be putting themselves into a riskier situation by pursuing a high-cost, high-risk player when there are much cheaper and safer options available.
Players like Nick Richards, Daniel Gafford, or Day'Ron Sharpe could better address their obvious frontcourt needs without the added financial and health uncertainties.