As the NBA trade deadline creeps closer, the rumor mill is heating up - and there’s a big name potentially in play: Anthony Davis. According to league insider Zach Lowe, the Dallas Mavericks big man could be on the radar for the Toronto Raptors. And while the mechanics of a deal are feasible, the real question is whether Dallas would actually pull the trigger.
Let’s break it down.
The Trade Framework That Makes Sense - On Paper
The Raptors have the pieces to make a deal work from a salary perspective. As Lowe explained on The Lowe Post, a trade built around Brandon Ingram and Jakob Poeltl would match Davis’ salary almost dollar-for-dollar.
That’s no small detail, especially with both teams flirting with the luxury tax line. The Mavericks are already over, and the Raptors are slightly above - likely looking for ways to dip below.
To make the math work precisely, Dwight Powell would likely need to be included in the deal heading back to Toronto. It’s a tidy framework, one that checks the boxes from a cap standpoint. But the real hurdle isn’t the numbers - it’s the motivation.
What’s in It for Dallas?
That’s the sticking point. While the Raptors could offer a compelling package, it’s unclear whether that’s enough to convince the Mavericks to part with a player of Davis’ caliber.
Ingram brings offensive versatility and shot creation, and Poeltl offers size and rim protection. On paper, that duo could help balance a Dallas roster that leans heavily on its star power.
But Davis is still one of the league’s most dominant two-way forces when healthy, and the Mavericks have designs on contending in the West. Trading him now - even for solid pieces - would be a seismic shift in direction.
Toronto’s Frontcourt Options Extend Beyond Davis
The Raptors, meanwhile, are in an interesting position. They have flexibility, they have assets, and they have options. If a Davis deal doesn’t materialize, there are other names worth watching - including Grizzlies All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr.
According to reporting, Toronto could take a more patient approach, opting to make smaller moves at the deadline while setting the stage for something bigger in the offseason. Jackson is a name to monitor, especially if Memphis decides to pivot its roster construction around him.
If the Grizzlies eventually move on from Ja Morant, the franchise could look to build around Jackson with a younger supporting cast. That raises a key question: would Jackson want to stay in a rebuild, or would he prefer to join a team ready to compete now?
If it’s the latter, Toronto could be a very intriguing landing spot.
Looking Ahead to February 5
With the February 5 trade deadline looming, teams are weighing short-term goals against long-term vision. The Raptors are clearly in the mix, armed with the assets and cap flexibility to make a splash - whether now or in the summer. And while a Davis deal would be headline-grabbing, it’s just one of several possibilities on the board.
The next few weeks could define the Raptors’ trajectory for years to come. Whether they swing big or wait for the right moment, they’re a team to watch as the deadline drama unfolds.