The Toronto Raptors are sitting in a solid spot in the East-third place with a 16-11 record-and now, it looks like they’re eyeing a serious frontcourt upgrade to keep the momentum going. According to league sources, Toronto has expressed interest in two big-name stars: Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis and Dallas’ Anthony Davis.
Let’s start with the Raptors’ situation. While they’ve been competitive so far, there’s a noticeable gap in the middle.
Jakob Poeltl has held down the starting center spot, putting up 10.1 points and 8.0 rebounds over 20 games. Solid numbers, but not exactly game-changing.
If Toronto wants to make a real push in the postseason, especially in an Eastern Conference that’s top-heavy with size and skill, adding a true difference-maker in the paint could be the move that shifts their ceiling.
Sabonis would bring exactly that. He’s a walking double-double with elite passing vision for a big man, and his ability to facilitate offense from the high post would open up a lot for Toronto’s perimeter scorers.
The Kings, meanwhile, are in a tailspin at 6-20, and while Sabonis signed a five-year, $217 million extension in 2023, there’s been increasing chatter that Sacramento could be headed for a roster shakeup. If that’s the case, Toronto could be one of the teams ready to pounce.
Then there’s Anthony Davis. His name has been swirling in trade rumors since the offseason, and those whispers have only grown louder following some front-office changes in Dallas. While the Mavericks haven’t officially put Davis on the block, teams around the league are keeping a close eye on the situation-and Toronto is reportedly one of them.
Davis, when healthy, is still one of the most dominant two-way forces in the league. But that’s the catch-health.
He’s already missed 16 games this season and is in the first year of a three-year, $175.4 million deal, which includes a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season. That kind of contract, combined with the injury history, makes any potential deal complicated.
Still, the upside is undeniable. Pairing Davis with Toronto’s current core could elevate them into true contender status.
Toronto isn’t alone in its pursuit. The Atlanta Hawks have also reportedly shown interest in Davis, but their path to a deal looks murkier.
According to league insiders, the Hawks are reluctant to part with their 2026 first-round pick from New Orleans, which limits their flexibility. The only realistic way they could match Davis’ salary would be by including a major piece like Trae Young or Kristaps Porziņģis.
Porziņģis, who’s in the final season of a two-year, $60 million contract, has been floated as a potential trade chip. But with the Latvian big man currently sidelined for two more weeks due to illness-and with Dallas likely looking for a more dynamic return-it’s unclear whether that kind of package would move the needle.
For now, the Raptors seem to be in a better position to make a splash. They’ve got a competitive roster, a clear need in the frontcourt, and the kind of assets that could appeal to teams looking to retool. Whether it’s Sabonis, Davis, or another name that emerges closer to the deadline, Toronto is clearly signaling that it’s not content with just being good-they want to be great.
And with the trade deadline creeping closer, the front office might be ready to make a bold move to get there.