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13h ago

Poeltl Contract Blocked Raptors' Near-Acquisition of Domantas Sabonis

The failed February trade shows how Jakob Poeltl’s three-year, $84 million guarantee limits Toronto’s ability to add an All-Star, keeping the team’s Kawhi Leonard pursuit on hold during an NBA investigation.

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Jan 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) celebrates after hitting a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Reports say the Raptors and Kings were deep in talks at the February trade deadline to send Domantas Sabonis to Toronto with RJ Barrett included in the package.
  • The proposal collapsed because Toronto could not find a way to move Jakob Poeltl’s remaining three years and about $84 million in guaranteed salary, which made salary-matching unworkable.
  • Multiple outlets report Sabonis was receptive to the move and that his elite rebounding and playmaking would have reshaped Toronto’s offense and frontcourt roles.
  • After missing Sabonis, Toronto pivoted this offseason toward a Kawhi Leonard trade that is currently on hold while the NBA investigates allegations tied to Leonard’s past sponsorships.
  • Poeltl is expected to remain the Raptors’ starting center under his current deal that pushes his cap hit into 2029–30, a constraint that will shape Toronto’s ability to pursue big-name upgrades and force them to consider internal or lower-cost frontcourt options.