Raptors Urged to Think Practically, Not Splashy, as Giannis Rumors Swirl
Thirty games into the season, the Milwaukee Bucks are in unfamiliar territory - sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference and facing questions that go way beyond the standings. The biggest one? The future of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Earlier this month, reports surfaced that Giannis and his agent are planning to reassess his situation with the franchise. That alone is enough to send ripple effects across the league. When a two-time MVP even hints at uncertainty, front offices start dialing up trade machines and clearing cap space.
Naturally, the Toronto Raptors have been floated as a possible landing spot. But not everyone’s buying that idea.
Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins, never one to shy away from a bold take, is urging the Raptors to take a different route. Speaking on the Road Trippin podcast with Richard Jefferson, Perkins made it clear: Toronto should stop dreaming about Giannis and start focusing on a more realistic - and still impactful - target.
His pick? Lakers guard Austin Reaves.
"I'm Trying to Go Get Austin Reaves"
“I will wait, if I’m Toronto,” Perkins said. “I’m trying to go get Austin Reaves.”
It’s not just talk. Reaves is in the middle of a breakout campaign and has become one of the most reliable backcourt options for the Lakers. He’s averaging 27.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.5 assists - numbers that don’t just pop on paper, they’ve turned heads around the league.
And here’s the kicker: Reaves is still on a four-year, $53 million deal he signed in 2023. Before agreeing to that deal, he reportedly turned down a bigger extension offer from the Lakers - four years, $89.2 million - betting on himself.
That bet is aging well. At 27, he holds a $14.8 million player option and is clearly outperforming the contract.
For a team like Toronto, that’s the kind of move that makes sense. A high-upside guard who fits a modern, versatile system and doesn’t require gutting the roster to acquire? That’s a far cry from the all-in blockbuster that would be required to land Giannis - if he even becomes available.
The Giannis Temptation vs. the Reality Check
Now, let’s be clear: Giannis is still Giannis. Even in a down year for the Bucks, he remains one of the most dominant forces in the NBA.
If he’s even remotely available, teams are going to line up. And in an Eastern Conference that feels wide open, the idea of adding a franchise-altering star is always tempting.
But there’s a lesson here - one that’s becoming more apparent with each passing season. Big swings don’t always connect. And for a team like the Raptors, who are still figuring out their identity post-Kawhi, the margin for error is slim.
They’re closer to the Play-In bubble than the Finals right now. Scottie Barnes is blossoming into a do-it-all engine, but the roster around him still feels like a work in progress. The challenge isn’t just about adding talent - it’s about finding players who complement Barnes’ unique style and help create a cohesive, modern offense.
That’s where a player like Reaves could be a game-changer. He’s a smart, unselfish guard who can score, facilitate, and defend.
He doesn’t need the ball in his hands every possession, but he can take over when needed. That kind of versatility would go a long way in unlocking Barnes - and the rest of Toronto’s young core.
A Smarter Path Forward
There’s always going to be buzz around stars like Giannis. That’s the nature of the NBA. But the Raptors don’t need to chase headlines - they need to build a team that makes sense, both now and in the long term.
Austin Reaves might not be the splashiest name out there, but he’s the kind of player who helps you win basketball games. And for a team trying to turn the corner, that might be exactly what Toronto needs.