The Toronto Raptors are entering the 2025 offseason with renewed ambition and a vision: to transform their core into a legitimate playoff contender. The midseason acquisition of Brandon Ingram, despite his injury setbacks, signaled the front office’s commitment to building around Scottie Barnes. With Ingram’s three-year, $120 million extension, the Raptors have secured a versatile scorer to complement Barnes moving forward.
However, the Raptors’ aspirations don’t stop there. Reports indicate that Toronto is actively exploring the trade market for a “big fish,” with mutual interest reportedly existing between the Raptors and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. With a wealth of draft assets, young talent, and financial flexibility, Toronto is well-positioned to make significant moves this offseason.
In this article, we’ll delve into five realistic targets the Raptors could pursue to bolster their roster, as well as five speculative scenarios that, while intriguing, may be more fantasy than feasible.
Realistic Targets
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Proposed Trade Details
Toronto Raptors Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, 2025 No. 9 Overall Pick, 2025 No. 39 Overall Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick (TOR)
The Toronto Raptors are reportedly exploring a blockbuster trade for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Following the Bucks’ early playoff exit and Damian Lillard’s injury, Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee is uncertain.
The Raptors, equipped with valuable draft assets and young talent, are seen as a potential suitor. A trade package could include RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and multiple first-round picks, excluding Scottie Barnes, who is considered untouchable.
Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in the 2024-25 season. His addition would instantly elevate the Raptors to championship contenders. While the trade would be costly, the potential to acquire a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber is rare and could reshape the franchise’s future.
2. Zach LaVine
Proposed Trade Details
Toronto Raptors Receive: Zach LaVine
Sacramento Kings Receive: Immanuel Quickley, Ochai Agbaji, Gradey Dick,2028 First-Round Pick (TOR), 2025 No. 39 Overall Pick
Zach LaVine, a two-time All-Star, has been a subject of trade rumors, with the Raptors expressing interest. LaVine’s scoring ability, averaging 23.3 points per game in the 2024-25 season, would complement the Raptors’ offensive arsenal. His athleticism and shooting prowess make him an attractive target for Toronto.
LaVine fits into the Raptors’ offense because he can nail threes, attack the rim, and run on the break alongside Barnes and Ingram. With the Sacramento Kings potentially looking to cash in on their star player, a package involving three youngsters, headlined by Immanuel Quickley and two picks, could be just right.
3. DeMar DeRozan
Proposed Trade Details
Toronto Raptors Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Sacramento Kings Receive: RJ Barrett, 2025 No. 9 Overall Pick
A potential reunion with DeMar DeRozan is on the table for the Raptors. DeRozan, who averaged 22.2 points and 4.4 assists in the 2024-25 season, brings veteran leadership and familiarity with the organization. His mid-range game and playmaking abilities could provide a steadying presence for Toronto’s young core.
While DeRozan’s return would be sentimental, the Raptors must consider the fit within their current roster. Balancing the development of younger players with the integration of a seasoned veteran requires careful planning to maintain team chemistry and growth, but DeRozan would be a great feel-good story for the team without having to give up too much.
4. Lauri Markkanen
Proposed Trade Details
Toronto Raptors Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, 2025 No. 9 Overall Pick, 2025 No. 39 Overall Pick
Lauri Markkanen’s name has surfaced in trade discussions, with the Raptors showing interest. Markkanen, who posted averages of 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds, offers floor spacing and size at the forward position. His skill set aligns with Toronto’s need for versatile frontcourt players.
Acquiring Markkanen would bolster the Raptors’ offensive versatility tremendously because he can occupy both forward spots and potentially the center position in small-ball lineups, although a hefty package will have to be offered to the Jazz. If it works out, the Raptors would have three excellent two-way players on the team.
5. Domantas Sabonis
Proposed Trade Details
Toronto Raptors Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Immanuel Quickley, Ochai Agbaji, Gradey Dick, 2025 No. 9 Overall Pick, 2025 No. 39 Overall Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick (TOR)
Domantas Sabonis has emerged as another realistic target for the Raptors. Sabonis, averaging 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, is known for his passing and rebounding prowess. His addition would enhance Toronto’s frontcourt depth and playmaking capabilities at the center position.
While Sabonis would be a valuable asset, the Sacramento Kings’ intentions regarding his availability remain uncertain. The Raptors would need to present a compelling package to entice the Kings into a trade, but we imagine a package around Quickley, two youngsters, and three picks could seal the deal for a new Big Three.
Unrealistic Targets
1. Kevin Durant
The prospect of Kevin Durant joining the Raptors appears unlikely. Durant, under contract with the Phoenix Suns, has not formally indicated a desire to leave, although there have been murmurings. Additionally, the Suns are focused on building around Devin Booker, so they will be very picky on who they trade Durant for.
Not to mention, the Raptors’ focus on developing their young talent and maintaining financial flexibility may not align with acquiring a veteran superstar like Durant. The cost of acquiring Durant could involve both Quickley and Barrett, and that isn’t reasonable because the veteran forward will make a whopping $54,708,608 at 37 years old next season.
2. Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson’s trade to the Raptors is considered highly unlikely. The New Orleans Pelicans have expressed their desire to trade Williamson and find a new cornerstone of their franchise, but that won’t mean they will give up the former No. 1 overall pick cheaply and without a package involving multiple picks and Immanuel Quickley or RJ Barrett.
On the other side, Williamson’s injury history means the Raptors might not want to give away strong assets such as Immanuel Quickley or RJ Barrett without a significant return. The Raptors would face significant obstacles in pursuing such a deal, because while they once took a risk for Kawhi Leonard, Zion simply doesn’t fit that mold.
3. Devin Booker
Devin Booker’s move to Toronto is deemed unrealistic. The Phoenix Suns view Booker as an integral part of their future plans, and there have been no indications of his availability on the trade market. Even if Kevin Durant is traded, the Suns want to hold onto Booker for dear life, and we can’t blame them for that.
Additionally, the Raptors’ current roster construction and strategic direction may not support the acquisition of a high-usage guard like Booker. The alignment of team needs and assets does not favor this scenario, but the real reason here is that the Suns won’t give up Booker, even if it nets them both Quickley and Barrett.
4. Ja Morant
Ja Morant’s potential trade to the Raptors is highly improbable after another inconsistent season from the point guard. The Memphis Grizzlies might want to move on from Morant, but the Raptors might not want to bring him on board. The point guard only appeared in 50 games this season, and his actions on and off the court are too concerning to ignore.
Furthermore, the Raptors’ existing backcourt depth and focus on developing their young guards make a trade for Morant unnecessary and unlikely. Moving for Morant means losing key pieces for a player who might not have the right attitude to succeed in Toronto, and Masai Ujiri likely won’t be too moved to make a deal.
5. James Harden
James Harden joining the Raptors is an unrealistic proposition. Harden’s playing style and career trajectory do not align with Toronto’s emphasis on youth development and long-term planning, and considering he will turn 36 next season, this is a risk (likely involving Immanuel Quickley, Ochai Agbaji, and a first-round pick) not worth taking by any means.
Additionally, Harden’s contractual demands and potential impact on team chemistry make this scenario unfeasible for the Raptors. Harden has a $36,346,154 player option for next season, so a sign-and-trade deal will likely have to involve The Beard getting a long-term deal, and the Raptors likely won’t want to keep the veteran for the long term as a result.
