The Toronto Raptors are officially in “big game hunting” mode as the 2026 NBA trade deadline approaches. According to recent reports, the front office has been active on the phones, kicking the tires on just about every star name that’s hit the rumor mill. From Anthony Davis to Trae Young, Domantas Sabonis to Ja Morant, the Raptors are clearly exploring every avenue to add a marquee piece to their roster.
At 25-17, Toronto has quietly put together a solid campaign, sitting comfortably above .500 as the season crosses the midway point. Scottie Barnes continues to evolve into one of the league’s premier two-way players, while Brandon Ingram has delivered in the clutch and given the Raptors a reliable closer. Together, they’ve formed a formidable one-two punch-but the front office seems intent on building a true “big three.”
That ambition has led them to some of the biggest names on the market. According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Toronto has already made inquiries about Davis, Sabonis, and Young, and could soon turn their attention to Morant. It’s an aggressive approach, and one that speaks to Toronto’s belief that they’re just one piece away from making real noise in the East.
But here’s the thing: chasing star power is one thing. Finding the right star is something else entirely.
Let’s start with the names being floated. Anthony Davis is still one of the most dominant two-way bigs in the game when healthy-but that’s been the caveat for years now. His injury history is well-documented, and banking on a clean bill of health through the playoffs is a gamble, no matter how high the upside.
Ja Morant is another name that jumps off the page. Electrifying talent, franchise-level ceiling-but also a player who’s missed significant time due to both injuries and off-court issues. There’s no denying the impact Morant can have when he’s locked in, but the Raptors would need to be confident they’re getting the best version of him-and that he can stay on the floor.
Then there’s Trae Young, who was just dealt to the Washington Wizards for a surprisingly modest return: Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum. That’s a deal Toronto could’ve matched without gutting its rotation, which might explain why they were among the teams with interest. Young’s playmaking and shooting would certainly add a new dynamic to the Raptors’ offense, but the fact that his value has dipped so dramatically raises questions about his long-term fit and impact.
Of the group, Sabonis might be the most intriguing target. A two-time All-NBA selection and one of the league’s most consistent interior presences, he brings a blend of toughness, passing, and rebounding that could complement Barnes and Ingram beautifully. He’s also been largely durable-until this season-and has shown he can anchor a playoff-caliber frontcourt.
But even with Sabonis, the key question remains: is this the right time for Toronto to push all their chips in?
The Raptors’ current roster has depth, versatility, and a developing identity. Barnes is blossoming into a franchise cornerstone, and Ingram is under contract long-term. There’s something to be said for letting this core continue to grow together-especially when the East is as wide open as it’s been in years.
Toronto’s front office deserves credit for being proactive. They’re not content with just being good-they want to be great.
But chasing names for the sake of it can be a dangerous game. The right move could elevate them into the contender tier.
The wrong one could compromise the chemistry and flexibility they’ve worked hard to build.
Star hunting is seductive. But in the NBA, fit matters just as much as flash.
If the Raptors are going to make a move, it needs to be about more than just name recognition. It has to be about building a team that can win in April, May, and June-not just one that looks good on paper in January.