The Toronto Raptors have clearly been eyeing front-court help ahead of the trade deadline. While they've been linked to several notable names like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis, the Sacramento Kings center, Domantas Sabonis, has gained a lot of steam in recent days.
According to a report from The Stein Line on Wednesday, the Raptors were deemed still in play for Sabonis. They seemed to be in a competition of two, as the Washington Wizards emerged as potential suitors for the center.
At this point, the Raptors learned that Sabonis is likely off the board for Washington, as the Wizards struck a stunning deal to acquire Anthony Davis on the eve of the deadline.
The AD Saga is Settled in Dallas
The Dallas Mavericks were known to be shopping Davis the moment that they shook up the front office.
As the veteran big man continued battling injury concerns throughout the year, it was becoming clear that a Dallas-Davis split was on the horizon. Several teams were in the market for him, but the Wizards swooped in in a surprising fashion. Now, they will link the two-way star with the former Atlanta Hawks guard, Trae Young.
Toronto in a League of its Own?
Nearly 24 hours away from the trade deadline, the Raptors seem to be in the driver's seat of the Sabonis market, especially with the Wizards out of the picture. While that's good news for the Raptors, the situation reportedly remains complicated.
According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, trade discussions between the Raptors and the Kings have paused recently. There is concern from Toronto's side about "giving up too much first-round draft pick compensation" to move off Jakob Poeltl, who has a pricey deal attached. The package in play reportedly includes RJ Barrett and Ochai Agbaji.
Sabonis is currently in the midst of a down year, while battling setbacks, but he remains a productive presence on both ends of the floor. In 18 games, Sabonis has averaged a double-double with 15.4 points and 11.2 rebounds per game.
The cost for Sabonis at this stage of the process might be complicated to the point where talks are fading. The state of negotiations in the NBA can change at the drop of a hat, but all signs are pointing to the Raptors closing the book on Sabonis for now. According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, the Kings view talks with the Raptors as "flat-lined."
Without a big addition, the Raptors remain a strong playoff contender in the Eastern Conference. At 30-21, they are fourth in the conference. The race to avoid the Play-In seeds is tight, but the Raptors have been one of the most consistent teams this season with their current roster. They don't have to overpay to get a deal done.
Newsweek