The Toronto Raptors have been heavily linked to Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis in recent weeks, and Thursday’s NBA trade deadline (12 pm PT) adds a layer of intrigue to that rumored interest.
While it has seemed unlikely that many teams would show interest in acquiring Sabonis’ remaining contract ($94 million through the 2027-28 season), Toronto has emerged as a potential landing spot, with a surprise Raptors team (29-20, 4th in the Eastern Conference) looking to make noise this postseason.
On Sacramento’s side, turning the page on Sabonis would be difficult–but potentially necessary–as the Kings (12-37) move into a full-scale rebuild under first-year general manager Scott Perry.
Is there a deal between these two teams that could benefit both sides for this season and beyond?
Sactown Sports’ Matt George laid out a hypothetical trade that would land Sabonis in Toronto and reunite Perry with one of his former draft selections from his days with the New York Knicks:
Does this Kings-Raptors trade benefit both sides? 🧐
Sacramento
– RJ Barrett
– Immanuel Quickley
– 2027 TOR 1st round pick (top-10 protected)
Toronto
– Domantas Sabonis
– Dennis Schroder OR Malik Monk@MattGeorgeSAC explains why this deal could work ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/oDEPOPTCzy
— Sactown Sports 1140 (@Sactown1140) January 30, 2026
“Let’s break down this trade a little bit,” George said. “RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley both have a history with Scott Perry. Scott was in New York when both of them were there, and those were both Scott Perry picks.”
George explains that Perry even negotiated RJ Barrett’s extension when he was a member of the New York Knicks, which could also factor in here.
“Scott has a great relationship with these guys, particularly with RJ Barrett,” George said. “And it sounds like the Kings would love to reunite RJ and Perry here in Sacramento.
“RJ Barrett is absolutely a part of this deal,” George continued. “He’s not the biggest asset — that’s definitely the first-round pick — but he’s a piece that makes sense. He has a history with Scott that the Kings could absolutely use as part of this rebuild.”
George explains that guard Immanuel Quickley is the compromise portion of the trade. “It’s been reported and known that the Toronto Raptors want to move on from one of their two iffy, slash bad contracts,” George said. “That contract is Immanuel Quickley’s.”
Quickley has three years left on his deal after this season, each worth roughly $32.5 million. “That’s a lot of money for a lot of years,” George explains. “It’s something Scott Perry isn’t too interested in doing, not too keen to do.”
The other option, George said, is veteran center Jakob Poeltl, who is also under contract for the next three years after signing an extension, but is currently dealing with injuries that have kept him off the floor at times this season.
“Poeltl has been banged up at the center position, and the Sacramento Kings aren’t really interested in acquiring him,” George said. While his annual salary is lower than Barrett’s — in the high $20 millions — the final year of his deal is only partially guaranteed at $5 million, with incentives tied to minutes played.
(Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
“If the Kings were to acquire Jakob Poeltl, it would almost behoove them to sit him,” George said, “because the more he plays, the more guaranteed money kicks in for that final year.”
George explains that the scenario would essentially turn Poeltl into a $20-plus-million version of Dario Šarić or Drew Eubanks–two players who rarely see the floor for the Kings.
“I’m not interested whatsoever in Jakob Poeltl,” George said. “And I don’t think the Sacramento Kings are, or should be, interested either.”
Quickley, however, may be the more realistic path. “Even though he’s paid more money every year and that final year isn’t partially guaranteed, the Sacramento Kings do need a point guard,” George explains. “He’s not super young, but he’s in his prime.”
“That’s the compromise,” George said. “If the Kings truly want to trade Domantas Sabonis, the Raptors have to include at least a first-round pick. They’re getting the best player in the deal, even if he’s on a bad contract for the final two years.”
George adds that, from Sacramento’s perspective, the return has to justify opening a playoff window for Toronto.
“The Sacramento Kings would be taking on one of the contracts the Raptors don’t want,” George said, “and that only works if the value coming back makes sense.”
What do you think, Kings fans? Let us know in the comments of the latest edition of The Matt George Podcast.
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Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Sunday, January 30th – @ Boston Celtics – 4:30 PM PT
Sunday, February 1st – @ Washington Wizards – 3:00 PM PT
Wednesday, February 4th – vs. Memphis Grizzlies – 7:00 PM PT
Friday, February 6th – vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 7:00 PM PT
Saturday, February 7th – vs. Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:00 PM PT
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