Raptors predicted to trade RJ Barrett for $272M 3-time All-Star to pair with Kawhi Leonard

The Toronto Raptors have a lot of buzz around them right now as they head into the season with plenty of excitement surrounding the moves they made this offseason. Toronto has had to adapt to a loaded Eastern Conference after several teams got significantly better.

The Raptors made a trade for Kawhi Leonard during the summer, but the deal was put on hold. The trade is still expected to go through, and Leonard is already spending time with his soon-to-be new team.

“Per league sources, the Raptors, Leonard’s camp and the camps of other prominent players in the trade remain very confident it will go through soon. Leonard, it should be noted, is known to be with his Raptors teammates (in an unofficial capacity) on a retreat of sorts in Miami this week,” The Athletic’s Sam Amick wrote.

The Raptors can still make another trade to really establish themselves as a prime contender in the East. NBA reporter Evan Sidery believes they could trade RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl for Domantas Sabonis.

“Sacramento: RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, draft capital. Toronto: Sabonis,” Sidery wrote.

This would make them a better team in the frontcourt, as Sabonis is one of the elite rebounders in the league. Saying goodbye to Barrett would sting, as he is a fan favorite, but adding Sabonis would give Toronto another All-Star-level piece.

Sabonis is on the trade market right now after switching agents, which could be another sign that he could be traded from the Sacramento Kings.

“I do think it’s somewhat interesting that he changed agents this offseason," ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said. "He hired Aaron Mintz from CAA. This last year, Mintz and his group executed the trade for Trae Young away from Atlanta. They executed the trade for Walker Kessler away from [the Jazz]. Domantas Sabonis just hired him. At the risk of parodying myself, why would he do that?”

Getting a player like Sabonis would be a great addition for any team looking to make the playoffs. With Leonard on the way, Toronto's defensive ability would also be significantly better. Both players provide tremendous length and versatility on that end of the floor.

Sabonis has made $272M in his career thus far. The Raptors want to compete with the best teams in the Eastern Conference, and Sabonis would certainly make them better. Toronto would give up a decent bit in this deal, but it could ultimately be worth it.

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