Raptors predicted to trade for $186M rebounding machine to pair with Kawhi Leonard in mega deal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It is no secret that the Sacramento Kings have been looking to trade Domantas Sabonis this offseason as they try to offload his contract. The big man has been an excellent rebounder throughout his career, but his time in Sacramento could eventually come to an end.
Sabonis has led the league in rebounding multiple times. Over the summer, Sacramento reportedly tried to complete a trade with the Detroit Pistons involving Sabonis.
“There was a trade on the table from the Kings for Jalen Duren. They were willing to offer Domantas Sabonis to the Pistons but that's not what the Pistons want. They want to bring Jalen Duren back and secure him on a long term deal," ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel stated.
During the offseason, Sabonis also switched agents. The move has raised questions about whether a trade could be on the horizon.
“I do think it’s somewhat interesting that he changed agents this offseason," ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said. "He hired Aaron Mintz from CAA. This last year, Mintz and his group executed the trade for Trae Young away from Atlanta. They executed the trade for Walker Kessler away from [the Jazz]. Domantas Sabonis just hired him. At the risk of parodying myself, why would he do that?”
CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn believes the Kings should consider trading Sabonis to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Jakob Poeltl and RJ Barrett.
“Toronto sniffed around at last year's deadline. The Raptors are so loaded defensively that they can cover his vulnerabilities on that end of the floor, and the Poeltl and Barrett contracts cover matching salary if the Kings are willing to take them. The Raptors traded for a former All-Star center when they won the 2019 championship. Maybe history repeats itself,” Quinn wrote.
This could be a beneficial move for the Raptors, who would add another physical rebounder alongside Kawhi Leonard. Toronto appears to be going all-in after acquiring Leonard, and a deal for Sabonis could further strengthen its roster.
Sabonis is currently under a $186 million contract with Sacramento. For the Kings, this proposed deal would bring back Barrett and Poeltl, giving them a different combination of perimeter scoring and interior presence. However, the Raptors are chasing a championship, and adding a player of Sabonis' caliber could help them compete in a crowded Eastern Conference.
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