Report: Toronto Labeled “Most Likely” Suitor for Domantas Sabonis
The latest Raptors trade rumors have reached a fever pitch. Ahead of the February 5th deadline, multiple insiders have identified Toronto as the primary landing spot for the Kings’ All-Star big man.
TSP Insider Trading: Feb 2 Update
We are tracking massive updates from Jake Fischer (Bleacher Report) and Shams Charania (ESPN) regarding Toronto’s frontcourt hunt.
- Domantas Sabonis: Toronto is described as the “most likely suitor” if Sacramento moves him.
- Anthony Davis: Still a name to watch, though Sabonis is viewed as a more viable target.
- Secondary Options: Calls have been made on Daniel Gafford (DAL) and Day’Ron Sharpe (BKN).
- Luxury Tax: Team is looking to move Ochai Agbaji to dip under the tax line.
The clock is ticking toward the NBA trade deadline, and the Raptors trade rumors are coalescing around a single, massive target. According to league insiders, Toronto has emerged as the clear favorite to land Domantas Sabonis if the Sacramento Kings decided to pull the trigger on a blockbuster deal.
The Most Likely Suitor
Reporting for Bleacher Report, Jake Fischer has doubled down on Toronto’s position in the Sabonis sweepstakes. Despite earlier hurdles regarding specific players in a potential trade, the connection between the two clubs remains stronger than ever.
“We are still hearing that the Toronto Raptors remain a likely, if not, the most likely suitor for the Kings All-Star big man, if he is going to be traded.” — Jake Fischer, Bleacher Report
This follows a similar report from Shams Charania on ESPN’s SportsCenter, which identified Toronto as a “name to watch” for both Sabonis and Lakers’ star Anthony Davis. While Davis’s camp reportedly believes Toronto will still pursue him, sources with knowledge of the situation see Sabonis as the more “viable” outcome.
The Catalyst: Poeltl’s Prolonged Absence
The urgency to find a frontcourt boost has been magnified by the health of Jakob Poeltl. The veteran center has been sidelined with a back issue since mid-December, and the “prolonged” nature of his recovery has forced the front office to act.
With Toronto currently battling for homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs, they can no longer afford to wait for internal improvement on the glass. The need for an “infusion of size” has become the team’s top priority.
The “Second-Tier” Options
While Sabonis is the “top option,” Fischer notes that the Raptors are doing their due diligence on secondary targets. If the price for an All-Star becomes too steep, Toronto has several other names on the board.
- Daniel Gafford (Mavericks): Expected to have a “sizeable market” as a high-end secondary player.
- Day’Ron Sharpe (Nets): Toronto has expressed interest in the young Brooklyn big man.
Dipping Under the Luxury Tax
Simultaneous to these talent upgrades, Toronto is also managing its cap sheet. The Raptors are hopeful of dipping under the luxury tax before the deadline sounds.
The “clearest lane” to accomplishing this goal involves moving former first-round pick Ochai Agbaji. Sources say the team has been exploring trade scenarios for Agbaji since December to facilitate their larger frontcourt moves while staying financially flexible.
TSP Analysis: The All-In Pivot
The pivot from “rebuild” to “homecourt hunter” is officially on. By targeting Sabonis, Toronto is signaling that they are ready to surround Scottie Barnes with a high-post hub that can unlock the offense immediately.
Losing Keon Ellis as a potential “grease” for the trade is a minor blow, but Fischer notes it shouldn’t have a “real impact” on the larger Sabonis discussions.
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