"Coming out of the trade deadline, Raptors fans quickly realized that their front office was laser-focused on avoiding the luxury tax as a top priority. While they remained committed to that approach, there were still reports circulating that Toronto might throw their hat into the ring for star big men like Anthony Davis and especially Domantas Sabonis. Those Sabonis talks fluctuated in the weeks and days leading up to the February 5 trade deadline."
"Now, here we are, and to the delight of Raptors fans everywhere, the team finally has their veteran center back in the lineup as they gear up for the second half of the 2025-26 campaign. Toronto did acquire a cost-effective backup big at the deadline in Trayce Jackson-Davis, but I think the growing sentiment within Raptors Nation was that Jakob Poeltl's inevitable return was the post-deadline addition everyone was looking forward to. It wasn't necessarily about finding a replacement elsewhere."
"In contrast, a new injury update has surfaced regarding Domantas Sabonis. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania revealed on X that the Kings star underwent season-ending surgery earlier today to repair the torn meniscus in his left knee. This injury was actually the reason why Sabonis was sidelined for such a long stretch starting back in December. Sabonis did return to on-court action in mid-January, however, it's now clear that he'll focus on healing and aim to come back at full strength next year."
Toronto's front office prioritized avoiding the luxury tax at the trade deadline while evaluating possible acquisitions such as Anthony Davis and Domantas Sabonis. Talks about Sabonis fluctuated leading up to February 5, but negotiations stalled when Toronto refused to trade draft assets to reroute Jakob Poeltl. Jakob Poeltl has returned to the lineup for the second half of the 2025-26 season. Toronto added Trayce Jackson-Davis as a cost-effective backup at the deadline. Domantas Sabonis underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and will focus on healing to return at full strength next year.
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