With Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Scottie Barnes forming the foundation of the Raptors’ future, the team is in a good place but still missing a couple of key pieces. For the rebuild to truly take off, the Raptors need to either add a wing who can flat-out score or a center who can stretch the floor and provide a real offensive threat. These types of players would give them the balance they need to complement their young stars and compete in the Eastern Conference. Let’s take a look at the best trade targets who could fill those gaps and take this team to the next level.
1. Zach LaVine
Potential Trade Offer to the Bulls: Bruce Brown, Jakob Poeltl, Ochai Agbaji, 2025 First-Round Pick
Zach LaVine has been the focus of trade rumors as the Bulls consider reshaping their roster. After recovering from a foot injury that limited him to just 25 games last season, LaVine has expressed that he’s fully healthy and committed to the Bulls. However, with the team in transition after trading away key players like DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, LaVine’s future remains uncertain.
In the 2023-24 season, LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while shooting 45.2% from the field. His scoring ability makes him an attractive option for the Raptors, who could use a dynamic wing to elevate their offense. Pairing LaVine with Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley could create a potent core capable of competing in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Bulls would benefit from adding Jakob Poeltl’s rim protection and Bruce Brown’s defensive versatility. This trade could be a win-win for both teams as they look to retool for the future.
2. Tyler Herro
Potential Trade Offer to the Heat: Bruce Brown, Gradey Dick, 2025 First-Round Pick
Tyler Herro’s name has been in the middle of trade rumors all offseason, and with good reason. The Heat are at a crossroads—while Jimmy Butler has been a cornerstone, he’s looking for a two-year max extension that could complicate Miami’s plans. If they want to keep Butler, they’ll need to think hard about their future, and moving Herro for younger assets might be the answer.
Herro is owed $93 million over the next three years, and while he’s been productive—averaging 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 2023-24—injuries have been a concern. He played just 40 games last season. Moving him could free up the Heat to acquire other pieces or plan for a rebuild if Butler leaves after his current contract.
For the Raptors, Herro would be a fantastic addition. He’s a proven scorer and shot creator who would slot in perfectly alongside Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley. This deal would give the Heat valuable assets like Bruce Brown, a defensive ace, Gradey Dick, a promising shooter, and a 2025 first-round pick. Miami could use these assets to stay competitive or even use them in another blockbuster trade.
This move makes sense for both teams, especially if Miami is eyeing a possible rebuild while the Raptors try to accelerate their timeline with another young scorer.
3. Jalen Johnson
Potential Trade Offer to the Hawks: Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick
Jalen Johnson has quickly gone from an intriguing prospect to a vital piece for the Hawks‘ future. His breakout year in 2023-24, where he averaged 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, showed the massive potential he brings to the table. Johnson’s ability as a 6’9″ point forward makes him nearly untouchable for the Hawks, especially since they traded Dejounte Murray, placing even more responsibility on Johnson to handle the ball alongside Trae Young.
Still, with Johnson entering the final year of his rookie deal, he’s up for a massive payday in 2025. There’s already talk of him seeking a $150 million to $200 million extension. While the Hawks want to retain him, it’s a tricky situation. If Johnson explodes even more this season, he could demand a near-max contract, and Atlanta might hesitate to commit such a huge portion of their cap to one player.
That’s where a trade could come into play. The Raptors could swoop in, offering Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, and two future first-round picks. This deal could benefit the Hawks if they’re not ready to offer Johnson a max extension, allowing them to get young talent in return and stay flexible for the future. Additionally, they’ve already drafted Zaccharie Risacher, who could step into Johnson’s role and keep the Hawks competitive moving forward.
In that scenario, the Raptors would gain a game-changing asset in Johnson, who could slot at the forward spot alongside Scottie Barnes, with a backcourt duo of Quickley and Barrett behind, becoming a sneaky playoff contender in a heartbeat.
4. Alperen Sengun
Potential Trade Offer to the Rockets: Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
Alperen Sengun has established himself as one of the most promising young centers in the NBA. After a breakout 2023-24 season where he averaged 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, Sengun has become a key piece for the Rockets. However, the Rockets are in a tricky position. With a roster packed full of young talent like Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., it’s going to be tough for them to pay everyone long-term. Sengun is due for a contract extension, and although the Rockets are actively discussing it, there’s a possibility that they may not want to commit max money to all their young players.
Sengun’s knee injury late in 2024 and the rumors that the Rockets might have offered him in deals for superstars like Devin Booker or Kevin Durant only add to the uncertainty about his future in Houston. While Sengun should be a priority for the Rockets, those factors might make him more tradable, especially for a package that includes three first-round picks and two talented young players.
For the Raptors, acquiring Sengun would give them the center they’ve been looking for. His ability to pass, score, and stretch the floor would fit perfectly alongside Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, forming a dynamic young core. Meanwhile, the Rockets would get future flexibility and some solid young pieces to add to their rotation. This deal could benefit both teams depending on how Houston views their financial future.
5. Jordan Poole
Potential Trade Offer to the Wizards: Bruce Brown, Ochai Agbaji, 2026 First-Round Pick
Jordan Poole’s debut season with the Wizards was filled with ups and downs. After being traded from the Warriors, Poole averaged 17.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 78 games, but his efficiency took a hit, shooting just 41.3% from the field and 32.5% from three. Poole struggled in his new role, adjusting to a bigger load on a rebuilding team.
For the Raptors, though, Poole represents a major upside. With a better defensive structure around him—featuring players like RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes—Poole could focus on being the primary scoring option. Pairing him with Immanuel Quickley would create one of the most dynamic backcourts in the league, while the defensive wings could balance out Poole’s struggles on that end.
The Wizards, meanwhile, are in full rebuild mode and could benefit from acquiring Bruce Brown and Ochai Agbaji, both of whom would fit well into their long-term plans. Additionally, a 2026 first-round pick gives the Wizards further flexibility as they continue to develop their young core. This trade could allow Poole to thrive in a more structured environment, while the Wizards continue their long-term rebuilding strategy.
