The Toronto Raptors are shaping up to be one of the more intriguing teams to watch as the NBA trade deadline approaches. With February 5 circled on the calendar, there’s growing momentum behind the idea that Toronto won’t stand pat. According to league insiders, the odds of the Raptors making a move are “pretty high,” and there’s more than one reason why.
Balancing the Books and the Roster
First, let’s talk dollars and sense. The Raptors are currently sitting just under $1 million above the luxury tax threshold.
That’s a tight margin, and it’s clear the front office is weighing not just how to improve the roster, but how to do it without triggering financial penalties. That’s where the idea of a smaller-scale deal comes into play-something that could both ease the tax pressure and clean up a bit of a positional logjam.
One area to watch is the wing rotation. Toronto has a surplus of young wings, and that’s not always a good thing when it comes to balancing minutes and roles.
Names like Ochai Agbaji and Gradey Dick have come up as potential trade chips. Neither player is a core piece at the moment, but both have value-especially to teams looking to add shooting or athleticism on the perimeter.
A move involving one of them could bring back a more complementary piece while helping the Raptors duck under the tax line.
Jakob Poeltl Staying Put
While Toronto may be active, don’t expect Jakob Poeltl to be part of any outgoing package. Despite a dip in production this season, the Raptors are not looking to move their starting center.
Poeltl is reportedly dealing with a lingering back issue, which has likely impacted his performance. Still, Toronto views him as a foundational piece in the frontcourt and would rather bolster the rotation around him than explore a trade.
Poeltl signed an extension in the offseason and officially becomes trade-eligible on January 7. But all signs point to the Raptors keeping him in-house as they look to build continuity and depth.
How Aggressive Will Toronto Be?
The Raptors’ level of aggression on the trade market could hinge on how they perform over the next few weeks. They control all of their future first-round picks, which gives them significant flexibility if they choose to swing big. That kind of draft capital is gold in today’s NBA, especially when it comes to chasing high-impact talent.
If the team goes on a run, it could justify a bigger gamble. If they falter, it might nudge the front office toward a more conservative, future-focused approach. Either way, the Raptors are in a position to dictate their own path.
Big Men on the Radar
When it comes to potential targets, the Raptors have been linked to several frontcourt names. According to league reports, Toronto and Atlanta are among the teams that have shown the most interest in Anthony Davis-though Davis remains a long shot and Atlanta is viewed as an even longer one.
More realistic options for the Raptors include Daniel Gafford of the Mavericks and Goga Bitadze from the Magic. Toronto has reportedly already checked in on Gafford, a high-energy big who could provide rim protection and rebounding off the bench. Bitadze, meanwhile, offers size and a defensive presence that could complement Poeltl in the rotation.
And if the Raptors decide to take a real swing? Keep an eye on Domantas Sabonis.
While there’s no indication he’s currently available, he’s the type of player who would instantly elevate Toronto’s frontcourt and fit well within their system. If he were to hit the market, the Raptors would almost certainly be among the teams picking up the phone.
The Bottom Line
Toronto has options-and that’s a good place to be. Whether it’s a minor tweak to balance the roster and manage the cap, or a bigger move to chase a difference-maker, the Raptors are positioned to act. With a flexible asset base and a clear understanding of their needs, this is a team to watch closely as the trade deadline draws near.