Hunter fills a hole that Sacramento was looking for, and a speculated trade with the Raptors may not happen anymore because of it.
Five days before the NBA trade deadline, the Cleveland Cavaliers traded away De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings and received Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder in return. Cleveland was looking to get Hunter’s contract off the books to avoid being limited by the second tax apron, while also acquiring more backcourt depth. Sacramento gained a 28-year-old forward who is under contract for next season and added roster space to convert Dylan Caldwell to a standard NBA deal after being on a two-way contract (via ESPN).
It’s no secret that the Toronto Raptors have been active in trade talks leading up to the Thursday deadline. While a superstar acquisition hasn’t been taken off the table, general manager Bobby Webster needs to shed just under $1 million to avoid luxury tax fines.
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) and general manager Bobby Webster | © Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The names most notably mentioned to be departing Toronto are Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Jakob Poeltl. All three players are on unfavorable contracts, and if the Raptors could shed some salary while also acquiring a third star to join Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, Webster could have the best of both worlds.
Sacramento picking up Hunter spells trouble for a potential trade with the Raptors, which could’ve changed the outlook of both organizations dramatically.
There has been wide speculation dating back to last summer that Toronto has been interested in trading for three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis. The interest between organizations has been reported as mutual, largely due to Kings general manager Scott Perry being the executive who drafted Barrett with the No. 3 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft for the New York Knicks.
Sabonis has proven to be a valuable asset on both ends of the floor. While his durability has also become a liability this season (only 18 games played), there is no doubt that he is one of the best rebounders in the league, which would take lots of pressure off Barnes to start the fast break. While a Sabonis trade technically isn’t completely eliminated, this trade with Cleveland makes a deal highly unlikely. Barrett was the main piece linked to Sacramento in this hypothetical trade, and with his position being filled, there may not be much use for him in a Kings uniform.
Toronto has struggled recently against teams with more size and physicality because of its lack of presence down low. With Poeltl missing the past 20 games, the Raptors have been forced to rely on Barnes’ defensive presence all around. Collin Murray-Boyles and Sandro Mamukelashvili have taken most of the center minutes in his absence, and they have yet to prove that they can stop the higher-level centers in the league on a nightly basis.