NBA Trade Idea: Toronto Raptors Create New Big Three By Acquiring All-Star Center

NBA Trade Idea: Toronto Raptors Create New Big Three By Acquiring All-Star Center originally appeared on Fadeaway World.

With the Toronto Raptors riding high behind Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, we believe that Toronto should turn their eyes toward Sacramento’s All-Star center, Domantas Sabonis, envisioning a bold “Big Three” in the making. Imagine a frontcourt pairing of Barnes’s multi-dimensional defense, Ingram’s slasher-shooter versatility, and Sabonis’ elite double-double production; an innovative lineup that blends youth, athleticism, and veteran savvy. 

Even if the Raptors are presently content with Jakob Poeltl, especially after a summer of maneuvering and roster upgrades, they could look to go all-in with a wide-open Eastern Conference pushing teams to get better. Poeltl is solid, posting 14.5 PPG and 9.6 RPG last season, but Sabonis (19.1 PPG, 13.9 RPG) is a different level of big man. 

A trade sending Sacramento’s rebounding and assist-machine to Toronto would mark a seismic shift in the East, and perhaps the dawn of a fresh “Big Three” era north of the border. It will also have to involve RJ Barrett (21.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG) and a first-round pick, but let's break down the trade further.

Proposed Trade Details

Toronto Raptors Receive: Domantas Sabonis 

Sacramento Kings Receive: RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, 2028 first-round pick (TOR)

Toronto Raptors Create One Of The Best Big Threes In The NBA

Scottie Barnes has emerged as arguably Toronto’s most impactful young star. In 65 games this season, he averaged 19.3 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 5.8 APG, and the Raptors saw a +2.9 net swing per 48 minutes with him on the court. His all-around game, capable of scoring, facilitating, crashing the boards, and defending multiple positions, makes him a modern Swiss-Army forward.

Brandon Ingram, acquired at the end of the season from New Orleans, brings high-end wing scoring and playmaking. In 18 games last season, he put up 22.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 5.2 APG, while shooting 37.4% from deep. His scoring mark this season underscores his ability to create offense both off-ball and off-dribble when Barnes attracts attention.

Adding Domantas Sabonis to that mix elevates Toronto’s ceiling to All-NBA contention. Sabonis averaged 19.1 PPG, 13.9 RPG (league-leading), and 6.0 APG, with an elite shooting line of 59/41.7/75.4%. His ability to stretch the floor, create entries, and post consistent double-doubles (he led the NBA in boards, plus recorded 61 double-doubles this season) would complement Barnes’s dynamism and Ingram’s scoring versatility. 

Sacramento Kings Start Their Rebuild

With Sabonis off the table, the Kings pivot into a full-blown rebuild. Sacramento loses their engine, the team leader in rebounds and assists, and a rare breed of floor-spreading, facilitating big, creating an immediate vacuum in their core.

Statistically, Sabonis’s departure would mean losing a player averaging nearly 14 rebounds and 6 assists per game, a combination not matched by any other King. They’ll need to replace those stats and the value he adds in terms of high-efficiency play (62.8 FG%) and consistent double-doubles.

This reset allows Sacramento to lean into youth, draft capital, and cap flexibility. They can pivot around rising talents like Keegan Murray and a slew of younger wings, including Keon Ellis, already in the pipeline, while clearing space to curate a long-term build. 

After moving De'Aaron Fox, the Kings need to look to move on from Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan as well, stockpiling picks and young players. By moving Sabonis, they force themselves into this rebuild. 

A Blockbuster Trade... That Makes The Raptors Major Winners

From a Raptors lens, adding Sabonis to Barnes and Ingram yields a uniquely complementary trio. Barnes, a 6'7" forward with guard DNA, elevates defensive versatility and court control. Ingram injects scoring punch and secondary playmaking. Sabonis rounds it out with interior dominance, elite passing from the post, and shooting gravity.

This three-pronged alignment hits across the board: perimeter defense, wing scoring, size, shooting, and elite boundary rebounding (Sabonis’s 13.9 RPG), making it one of the most well-rounded trios in the NBA. In today’s positionless, analytics-driven game, such balance is rare and powerful.

With Ingram still on an expiring contract, Toronto retains flexibility after the trade. They can push further in a title chase or explore future roster shifts without long-term dead weight. For a team ready to leap in the East, this trade is a masterstroke.

Related: RJ Barrett Could Thrive With The Blazers: Mega Deal Involving Three Players And Two Picks

This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.