NBA Trade Buzz: Raptors Emerge as Legit Suitors for Anthony Davis, Hawks Exploring Porzingis Market, Warriors Staying Patient
With the NBA trade season heating up, a few key names are starting to surface in conversations around the league-none bigger than Anthony Davis. And while plenty of teams have kicked the tires, it’s the Toronto Raptors who seem to be doing more than just window shopping.
Raptors Showing Real Interest in Anthony Davis
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Raptors have "definitely registered interest" in Davis, making them the most serious Eastern Conference contender linked to the Mavericks big man. That’s not just smoke-it’s the kind of signal that suggests Toronto is at least seriously considering a bold move.
While other teams like Atlanta and Detroit have been loosely connected to Davis, league insiders describe their interest as more exploratory. The Hawks are feeling things out, and the Pistons reportedly aren’t in a rush to make a major in-season splash. So for now, Toronto stands out as the one team in the East that’s actively engaged.
But let’s be clear: nothing is imminent. Dallas is still doing its due diligence-evaluating Davis’ health, his fit alongside rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, and whether he can truly move the needle for a roster that’s still trying to find its ceiling. That kind of internal assessment takes time, especially with a player like Davis, whose impact on both ends of the floor is undeniable when he’s fully healthy.
Toronto Also Had Eyes on Sabonis
There’s another layer to the Raptors’ frontcourt ambitions. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype confirmed that Toronto had shown interest in Kings center Domantas Sabonis earlier this year. That interest dates back to the summer and isn’t currently active, but it’s a wrinkle worth remembering.
Why? Because Kings GM Scott Perry has a history with RJ Barrett-he drafted him while running the Knicks-and remains high on the Canadian wing. Toronto, for its part, has been quietly gauging Barrett’s market value, suggesting that while the Sabonis talks may be dormant, the Raptors are still exploring ways to reshape their core.
Hawks Could Shop Porzingis’ Expiring Contract
Down in Atlanta, Kristaps Porzingis is starting to pop up in trade discussions-not necessarily because of his on-court production, but because of his contract. The big man’s $30.7 million expiring deal gives the Hawks a valuable asset as they look to retool.
Porzingis has had his share of health issues, but when he’s on the floor, he’s still a dynamic offensive weapon who can stretch the defense and protect the rim. Atlanta is expected to test the market to see what kind of return that expiring deal might fetch.
As for Anthony Davis, the Hawks are keeping tabs, but league sources continue to describe their interest as more curiosity than commitment. They’re monitoring, not maneuvering.
Warriors Not Ruling Anything Out-But Not Rushing Either
Out West, the Golden State Warriors are in a holding pattern. There’s been some chatter around Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green being floated in hypothetical trade packages, but so far, that’s all it is-chatter.
Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area made it clear: any significant move would need Stephen Curry’s full blessing. And while nothing is impossible, right now, it feels improbable.
The only real trade buzz around Butler and Green has come in connection with one name: Giannis Antetokounmpo. Unless that scenario becomes a real possibility-and there’s no indication it has-Golden State appears content to ride with its current core.
Final Word
As the trade deadline inches closer, front offices are doing what they do best-working the phones, assessing value, and weighing risk vs. reward. The Raptors are clearly in the mix for something big, whether it’s Davis or another frontcourt upgrade.
The Hawks have a valuable trade chip in Porzingis’ expiring deal and are keeping their options open. And the Warriors?
They’re staying patient, but not asleep.
This is the time of year when groundwork gets laid. Deals don’t always happen overnight, but the conversations happening now could shape the second half of the season-and maybe even the next few years. Stay tuned.