Raptors’ interest in Domantas Sabonis comes with tough questions

Domantas Sabonis could give the Raptors more passing, more rebounding and another dependable way to generate offense.

The question is how much of their current team they’d have to surrender to get him.

That’s where an interesting basketball fit becomes a more complicated trade discussion.

Rocco Moschella of Raptors On SI examined both sides of a potential Sabonis move, pointing to the offensive possibilities alongside Scottie Barnes and Kawhi Leonard.

You can see the appeal. Sabonis can facilitate from the high post, find cutters and finish around the basket. Barnes wouldn’t have to create everything himself, and the Raptors would have another player capable of keeping possessions moving.

Sabonis’ rebounding would help, too. Moschella noted that he’s averaging a league-leading 14.6 boards.

But collecting rebounds and protecting the rim are different jobs. The Raptors would need to account for Sabonis’ defensive limitations, particularly when opponents involve him in screening actions.

Having Barnes and Leonard helps. It doesn’t make every defensive concern disappear.

Then comes the cost. Moschella suggested a package could involve RJ Barrett and either Jakob Poeltl or Immanuel Quickley. Those are potential constructions, not a reported agreement. Still, they illustrate why the outgoing pieces matter as much as the incoming name.

Move Quickley, and the backcourt changes. Move Poeltl, and the responsibilities in the middle change.

As we’ve discussed, the Kings need a reason to trade Sabonis. The Raptors need an equally convincing reason to meet their price.

Sabonis would bring real strengths. Toronto’s decision would come down to whether enough remains around him to make those strengths count.