Domantas Sabonis is unlikely to be traded before the NBA’s trade deadline on Thursday, following the major deal involving Anthony Davis that took place between the Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards on Wednesday. The possibility of Sabonis moving has decreased, particularly after discussions surrounding the Toronto Raptors’ interest in acquiring him faltered.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick,
“All signs point to Sacramento big man Domantas Sabonis remaining in Sacramento past tomorrow’s deadline. Per team sources, the Kings view the prospect of sending him to the Toronto Raptors as flat-lined, so to speak.”
Raptors’ Roster Constraints Impacting Potential Deal
The Toronto Raptors had been considered serious contenders to secure Sabonis, but recent reports suggest they may only complete a deal during the offseason unless they manage to trade Jakob Poeltl by the February 5 deadline. Moving Poeltl would help the Raptors create salary cap space to accommodate Sabonis’ contract, which runs through the 2027-28 season with an average annual salary of approximately $46.5 million.
Amick further noted that
“made it clear that they aren’t willing to take on”
the remainder of Poeltl’s contract in any exchange. Poeltl is under contract through the 2029-30 season, following a four-year, $104 million extension signed last year, creating a significant financial hurdle for Toronto.
With Sabonis slated to make $42.3 million next season, the Raptors would likely need to move several players, including Poeltl, to make the salaries work under NBA trade rules.
“Unless you see a deal unfold where Poeltl heads elsewhere to clear room for Sabonis, this is one of those ongoing discussions that will likely resume in the offseason,”
Amick added.
Kings’ Roster Stability and LaVine’s Future Highlighted
The Sacramento Kings, currently at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 12-39 record, are not anticipated to trade guard Zach LaVine before the deadline. LaVine is expected to opt into his $48.9 million player option for next season, with a decision required by June 29.
Should both Sabonis and LaVine remain with the Kings, the team’s most notable transaction this season will have been the January 31 three-team trade. That deal sent Dennis Schröder, Keon Ellis, and Dario Saric away, bringing in former Cleveland Cavaliers player De’Andre Hunter and creating a roster spot for Dylan Cardwell.
Implications of Trade Developments for Sabonis and Raptors
The inability to move Jakob Poeltl effectively blocks the Raptors’ attempt to acquire Domantas Sabonis before the deadline, leaving the situation unresolved for now. This stalemate highlights the complex financial and contractual challenges NBA teams face under the salary cap system. For Sacramento, keeping Sabonis and LaVine together suggests a focus on stability and development despite their current low standing.
Moving forward, discussions related to Sabonis’ future are expected to intensify in the offseason, when there may be more flexibility for trades, roster adjustments, and salary considerations. Until then, fans and teams alike will watch closely as the February deadline passes without a deal.
