Titled: Raptors–Kings Talks on Domantas Sabonis Stall Over Draft Picks, Jakob Poeltl’s Contract
Slug: raptors-kings-sabonis-trade-talks-stalled-draft-picks-poeltl
TORONTO — Ongoing discussions between the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings about a possible deal for three-time All-Star center Domantas Sabonis remain in flux, according to multiple league sources.
Front-office executives told Sportsnet’s Michael Grange that some of the current chatter is being fueled by Sabonis’ representatives, who are eager to move their client off Sacramento’s rebuilding roster.
Key sticking points
Two hurdles are slowing negotiations:
- Draft compensation: Chris Haynes said on NBA TV that Sacramento wants a first-round pick, while Toronto has only offered second-round selections.
- Jakob Poeltl’s contract: Toronto would likely need to include its starting center, who is owed more than $100 million over five seasons and is dealing with persistent back issues. A source described Poeltl as “a really hard guy to trade right now,” and Sacramento has “zero interest” in taking him back.
RJ Barrett’s role
The framework most frequently discussed involves Sabonis heading to Toronto and forward RJ Barrett going to Sacramento. Observers have linked Barrett to Kings general manager Scott Perry, who drafted him while with the Knicks, but team insiders told Grange that connection has been overstated.
Limited market for Poeltl
Several clubs have monitored Poeltl in the past, including Boston and Indiana, Grange reported. However, the Celtics recently agreed to acquire Nikola Vucevic from Chicago in a package sending Anfernee Simons to the Bulls, while Jake Fischer of The Stein Line noted the Pacers have shown no interest.
The Memphis Grizzlies, armed with extra cap room after trading Jaren Jackson Jr. earlier this week, are viewed as a possible destination for Poeltl. League sources said Memphis would need significant compensation to absorb his salary given the uncertainty around his back injury, which one source described as painful but not structural.
Outlook
Sam Amick of The Athletic predicted earlier in the week that a Sabonis deal could be deferred until the offseason. Grange echoed that sentiment, writing that Toronto may ultimately decide to wait for Poeltl to regain his health and rebuild trade value—whether as a movable contract or as the Raptors’ long-term starting center.
Source: HoopsRumors
