Toronto Raptors are serious about acquiring Domantas Sabonis, but one key move must happen first. Sam Amick of The Athletic says Toronto needs to trade Jakob Poeltl to a third team to clear space and make a deal work with Sacramento.
The Toronto Raptors have shown real interest in acquiring Domantas Sabonis, but Sam Amick of The Athletic says one clear step must happen before any deal can move forward. Toronto needs to find a new team for Jakob Poeltl.
Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis
MIN: 29.97
PTS: 15.39 (58.7%)
REB: 11.17
AS: 4.17
ST: 0.94
BL: 0.22
TO: 2.78
GM: 18
The Sacramento Kings have made it known they do not want to take on Poeltl's contract. The veteran center is owed $103 million over the next four seasons, with $81.2 million guaranteed. Because of that, Sacramento is not willing to include him in any trade talks involving Sabonis.
For the Raptors, this means a third team would need to step in. Poeltl would have to be moved elsewhere to create space and make the salary structure work. Without that move, sources believe the Sabonis discussions will likely pause and return in the offseason.
Toronto's interest in Sabonis remains strong. The big man has played 18 games this season, averaging 15.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.
Credit Imagn/Scanpix
The Kings have also been active on the trade market. Sacramento recently acquired DeAndre Hunter from the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team deal that sent Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis to the Chicago Bulls.
That move shows the Kings are willing to adjust their roster, but they remain firm on avoiding long-term salary commitments at center.
Sabonis addresses the rumors
“There’s nothing you can do,” Sabonis said. “You just try to ignore it. I’m here right now, and we’re just trying to go out there and play as well as we can.”
Sabonis is included on the checklist of league circles within the trade market this year. Several teams like the Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards have been linked to his service, wherein the Kings have already placed a demand for him in a potential trade.
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