The Toronto Raptors are sitting on a rare kind of NBA capital right now: complete control of all their future first-round picks. That kind of flexibility is gold in today’s trade market, especially when big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Anthony Davis even whisper onto the radar. But just because the Raptors can make a move doesn’t mean they should.
Let’s start with Giannis. If the two-time MVP ever became available - and that’s a massive “if” - the Raptors have the assets to get in the room.
The starting point in any serious conversation would almost certainly be Scottie Barnes. Now, Barnes may not be Giannis - few are - but he’s nearly seven years younger, on a much friendlier contract, and has a much cleaner injury history.
That matters.
Barnes is the kind of player you build around, not one you casually toss into a blockbuster. Trading him for Giannis might give the Raptors a short-term jolt, but it could also mortgage their future for a player who, while elite, may not view Toronto as a long-term home. There’s also no guarantee Milwaukee would be interested in a deal centered around what Toronto can offer - especially if Barnes is off the table.
If the Raptors tried to hold onto Barnes, a package built around RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, Collin Murray-Boyles, and draft picks could be floated. But that kind of deal comes with serious drawbacks. You’re thinning out your frontcourt by moving Poeltl, sacrificing depth, and tying up long-term flexibility - all for the chance to land a star who may or may not elevate you to true contender status.
Now, let’s talk about Anthony Davis. On paper, he’d cost less than Giannis in terms of assets.
But the concerns here are just as real. Davis is older, has a long track record of missing time, and still commands a hefty price tag - both in salary and what it would take to match that number in a trade.
The Raptors would likely have to part with multiple starters just to make the money work.
Sure, Davis would improve the roster. He’s still one of the league’s premier big men when healthy.
But would adding him really move the needle enough to justify the cost? Would Toronto suddenly be a top-tier threat in the East?
Or would they be a slightly better version of what they are now - with fewer assets and less room to maneuver down the line?
That’s the real question facing the Raptors front office. They’re in a position of strength right now, with a young core, financial flexibility, and a full cupboard of draft picks.
That doesn’t mean they should swing for the fences at the first sign of a star becoming available. Sometimes, the best move is no move at all.
In this case, patience might be Toronto’s most powerful weapon.