Should Raptors Still Pursue Domantas Sabonis?

Domantas Sabonis has been a name on the Toronto Raptors' radar ever since the team held serious talks with the Sacramento Kings on a deal that would have sent the 30-year-old center to Toronto in exchange for forward RJ Barrett near the Feb. 5 trade deadline.

Nonetheless, it all fell through with neither team coming to terms on contract and salary logistics. The Raptors were also unable to find a willing suitor to take Jakob Poeltl and his four-year, $104 million contract off their hands which proved to be the biggest hurdle, according to Anthony Slater of ESPN.

In a recent conversation with reporters, Sabonis has denied any offseason trade rumors surrounding his name.

"Easy, it's all made up," he said. "It's all out there, I don't know where you guys get most of that from."

Landing Sabonis would be huge for the Raptors given that he averaged an impressive 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game this past season.

Furthermore, he shot a solid 54.3% from the field and converted on 72.7% of attempts at the free throw line, which can help the Raptors address the most glaring weakness on their roster--a lack of center depth.

For now, Toronto will continue to rely on 7-footer Jakob Poeltl who will look to stay healthy this upcoming season after missing 24 games last year with a lower back strain. Until a mid-season trade happens, the soon-to-be 31-year-old out of Austria should be able to hold the fort with his 10.7 points, seven rebounds and two assists per game. Poeltl has also shot a respectable 70% from the field and logged a 60.2% conversion rate at the charity stripe.

However, the miles on Poeltl's body have racked up over the years and as a result, he might need additional rest on the court. A potential Sabonis trade should provide that as well as another look for opposing defenses.

Also, the Raptors could make a big push this season with pieces like Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles who are ready to take an extra step forward this year and Sabonis' size and shooting could be a great fit.

Meanwhile, Sacramento's future looks bleak at the moment with them finishing 22-60 overall and 14th in the Western Conference, so a Sabonis trade just might be what both sides need for Sabonis unlocking the most of his skillset and the Raptors having the best chance at contending for a title soon.