Insider links RJ Barrett-Kings amid Domantas Sabonis trade frenzy

As NBA trade discussions continue to take shape, a new report has emerged Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett that the Sacramento Kings amid ongoing speculation surrounding the Kings Center Domantas Sabonis. The connection comes as both franchises evaluate the direction of the schedule as the trade deadline approaches.

HoopsHipe’s Michael Scotto reported that Toronto has continued to research the market for high-level frontcourt talent, including Sabonis, while Sacramento’s familiarity with Barrett could factor into any renewed dialogue.

“The Raptors have always followed the market for big fish, whether it’s Giannis Antetokounmpo or Davis in this case. It’s also worth noting that the Raptors have shown scouting interest in Kings center Domantas Sabonis since the summer, league sources told HoopsHipe.

If those Sabonis negotiations ever flare up again with Toronto, it’s worth noting that Kings general manager Scott Perry drafted Raptors player RJ Barrett when he was with the Knicks and still likes him. Since last season, when HoopsHipe reported Barrett was discussed in Brandon Ingram’s trade talks with the New Orleans Pelicans, Toronto has continued to gauge the trade market based on his value, sources said.

Sabonis, a 29-year-old former All-Star, has been one of Sacramento’s mainstays when healthy. He is averaging 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 51 percent from the field in 11 appearances this season, logging 33.2 minutes per game. Sabonis last appeared in a 123–110 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on November 16 before suffered a partial tear of the meniscus. Since his injury, the Kings have struggled, falling from 3–11 to 6–20 after Sunday’s 117–103 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The contracts of Domantas Sabonis and RJ Barrett loom in the Kings-Raptors trade talks

Sabonis is in the second season of a four-year, $186 million deal and is making $42.3 million this season. His contract runs through the 2027–28 campaign, a financial commitment that would require significant salary adjustments in any potential trade scenario.

Barrett, 25, is in his second full season in Toronto and has been a consistent offensive contributor when available. He is averaging 19.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 50.6 percent from the field and 35.6 percent from three-point range in 17 games, playing 30.9 minutes a night. Barrett last appeared in Toronto’s 119–109 win over the Brooklyn Nets on November 23 before suffering a sprained right knee.

Despite Barrett’s absence, Toronto remained competitive. The Raptors improved from 12-5 to 16-11 after Monday’s 106-96 win over the Miami Heat, which snapped a four-game losing streak. Barrett is in the third year of a four-year, $107 million rookie extension he signed with the New York Knicks in 2022 and is making $27.7 million this season. He will become a free agent after the 2026/27 season.

Scott’s report is consistent with an earlier comment from NBA insider Jake Fisher, who noted Toronto’s continued interest in upgrading its frontcourt.

“Sources familiar with the Raptors’ thinking have identified them as a team with interest in Domantas Sabonis as well as (Anthony) Davis.

Toronto will look to continue their momentum as they close out a doubleheader against the Milwaukee Bucks (11-16) on Thursday at 8:00 PM ET before returning home to host the Boston Celtics (15-11) on Saturday. Sacramento, meanwhile, will try to snap a three-game skid Thursday night against the Portland Trail Blazers (10-16) at 10:00 PM ET before opening a four-game home stretch Saturday, also against Portland.