Raptors Trade Rumors Heat Up as Frontcourt Fixes Dominate the Conversation
The NBA trade rumor mill is never short on noise, but when multiple league insiders start circling the same themes, it’s usually a sign that something real is brewing. For the Toronto Raptors, that something is their frontcourt - or more specifically, the lack of reliable depth behind Jakob Poeltl.
Poeltl has been a steady presence when healthy, but injuries and the natural wear of entering his thirties have raised concerns about how much longer he can anchor the Raptors' interior defense. And with the Eastern Conference as competitive as ever, Toronto’s front office appears to be weighing its options - from low-risk depth adds to potential blockbuster swings.
A Wide Range of Targets, from Role Players to All-Stars
According to a mix of plugged-in voices around the league - including Jake Fischer, Michael Scotto, Michael Grange, and Josh Lewenberg - the Raptors have a variety of trade avenues they could explore, depending on how aggressive they want to be. The names being floated range from rotational bigs like Goga Bitadze, Nick Richards, and Daniel Gafford, to high-profile stars like Domantas Sabonis and Anthony Davis. And yes, even Giannis Antetokounmpo has surfaced again in speculative chatter - though any pursuit there would be a moonshot of epic proportions.
Let’s break this down.
The Budget-Friendly Options: Bitadze, Richards, Gafford
Starting with the more realistic, cost-effective names, Goga Bitadze is an intriguing target. The 2019 first-rounder has carved out a decent role in Orlando, especially with the Magic battling injuries up front.
With Wendell Carter Jr. as the only other true center in the rotation, Bitadze’s availability could depend heavily on how Orlando sees their playoff chances shaping up. If they’re serious about a postseason push, it’s tough to imagine them helping a fellow Eastern Conference contender by moving a key rotation piece.
Nick Richards, on the other hand, might be the most attainable of the bunch. The Hornets have Mark Williams locked in as their starting center, and Richards - on an expiring deal - could be moved without much disruption.
For Toronto, this could be a clean salary swap, especially if they package Ochai Agbaji and a couple of second-round picks to get it done. It’s a move that wouldn’t break the bank but could shore up the Raptors’ depth chart in a meaningful way.
Daniel Gafford is another name that keeps popping up, and for good reason. He brings energy, rim protection, and vertical spacing - all things the Raptors could use more of.
Gafford’s been a consistent presence in Washington, and while he may not be a star, his fit in Toronto’s system makes a lot of sense. If the price is right, this could be a needle-moving addition.
The Big Swings: Sabonis, Davis, and (Yes) Giannis
Now, if the Raptors decide to go big - and we mean really big - the conversation shifts dramatically. Domantas Sabonis and Anthony Davis are both All-Star caliber bigs who would instantly transform Toronto’s frontcourt. But these aren’t just trade targets - they’re franchise-altering commitments.
Acquiring a player like Sabonis or Davis would mean going all-in on a win-now window. It would likely require parting with core assets, future draft capital, and a willingness to take on major salary obligations.
That’s a bold move for a team that’s still figuring out its long-term identity. If it works, you’ve got a foundation to contend in the East.
If it doesn’t? You’re potentially left with a depleted asset base and limited flexibility.
And then there’s Giannis. The Raptors have long been linked to the two-time MVP in various trade whispers, and while nothing concrete has surfaced, the idea continues to linger. Realistically, this is the longest of long shots - but it speaks to the ambition within the Raptors’ front office that his name continues to hover around the edges of these conversations.
What Comes Next?
What’s clear is that Bobby Webster and the Raptors' decision-makers have options - and plenty of them. Whether they opt for a modest depth piece or take a big swing, the front office seems poised to make a move. As Jake Fischer pointed out, Toronto is expected to monitor how the East shakes out over the next few weeks before pulling the trigger.
With parity reigning across the league and the Raptors hovering in that middle zone between playoff hopeful and roster reshuffle candidate, the next move could define the direction of this team for the next several seasons.
One thing’s for sure: the frontcourt is under the microscope. And with trade season heating up, Toronto’s next step might be just around the corner.