The Toronto Raptors have stumbled out of the gate this season, holding a disappointing 2-10 record. With the playoffs looking like a distant dream, it might be time for the Raptors to consider a strategic tank to secure a top pick in the upcoming draft. Here are three trades that could help the Raptors embrace the tank and build for the future.
Adding Some Young Pieces For Bruce Brown
Raptors receive: De’Andre Hunter, Vit Krejci, 2025 first-round pick (via SAC)
Hawks receive: Bruce Brown
The Raptors have had a rough start this season, and sitting at the bottom of the standings, they might need to think long-term. Trading away Bruce Brown for younger pieces and a future pick could help them reset and focus on building a competitive squad over the next few years.
In this deal, the Raptors would be picking up De’Andre Hunter, who’s currently averaging 18.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Hunter brings solid two-way play, which is exactly what you want in a rebuilding piece. He can defend multiple positions and has shown flashes of offensive growth. This season with the Hawks, he’s been one of their more reliable role players, and at just 26, he still has plenty of upside if he’s developed the right way.
Then there’s Vit Krejci, a young guard who hasn’t logged much playing time this season but has potential as a rotational piece down the line. Krejci is a bit of a project, but he fits the profile of a low-risk player who could be developed in a system that values patience and growth. For a team like the Raptors, which seems to be leaning toward a rebuild, Krejci could be a nice bonus piece in this deal.
The real kicker here is the 2025 first-round pick. With a future pick in their pocket, the Raptors have more options moving forward—whether they want to hold onto it for a promising rookie or package it in another trade for more assets. This gives them flexibility and a bit more control over how they shape their roster in the next few years.
For the Hawks, who are sitting at a 5-7 record, this trade brings in Bruce Brown, a versatile defender and gritty veteran who could be exactly what they need to stabilize their season. Brown is known for his defensive impact and energy on the floor, and adding him to a rotation that already includes Trae Young and lockdown Dyson Daniels could help balance out the roster. Brown’s ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively with hustle points and smart plays is invaluable for a Hawks team looking to turn things around.
Overall, this trade could set up the Raptors with some promising young pieces and a valuable draft asset, while the Hawks get a win-now player to help them in their quest to be more competitive in the Eastern Conference this season.
Bolstering The Frontcourt For The Thunder
Raptors receive: Aaron Wiggins, Ousmane Dieng, 2025 first-round pick (via PHI)
Thunder receive: Jakob Poeltl
The Thunder have been dealing with some tough injuries lately, and managed to still be the No. 1 seed in the West with a 9-2 record. Chet Holmgren took a nasty fall against the Warriors last time out and hurt his right hip, leaving his return timeline uncertain. Isaiah Hartenstein is also sidelined with a left hand fracture, expected to keep him out for 5-6 weeks. These setbacks have left OKC’s frontcourt pretty thin.
Bringing in Jakob Poeltl could be a solid move to shore up the center position. Poeltl’s averaging 14.0 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game this season, providing a strong presence in the paint. His experience and defensive skills would be a big help for the Thunder as they navigate these injuries.
On the flip side, the Raptors would get Aaron Wiggins and Ousmane Dieng. Wiggins is putting up 10.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, showing promise as a versatile wing. Dieng, though still developing, has potential as a forward with size and shooting ability. Plus, snagging a 2025 first-round pick via Philly adds a valuable asset for Toronto’s future plans.
This trade could be a win-win: the Thunder get immediate help in the frontcourt, and the Raptors add young talent and a future pick to their roster.
The Magic Go Big Adding Boucher And Olynyk
Raptors receive: Jonathan Isaac, 2025 first-round pick (via DEN)
Magic receive: Chris Boucher, Kelly Olynyk
Trading Chris Boucher and Kelly Olynyk to the Orlando Magic could be a step in a true rebuilding direction for the Toronto Raptors as the final deal of this scenario. In return, they’d get Jonathan Isaac and a 2025 first-round pick via Denver.
Jonathan Isaac is a defensive standout but has had his share of injury woes. If he stays healthy, he could be a game-changer for the Raptors’ defense at 27 years old and with a contract that’s decreasing every season until 2028. Plus, snagging that 2025 first-round pick gives Toronto some future flexibility, whether they use it to draft new talent or as a trade asset in next year’s draft.
For the Magic, bringing in Jakob Poeltl and Kelly Olynyk would strengthen their frontcourt given Paolo Banchero’s recent injury and their need to add more quality pieces off the bench there. Boucher is averaging 11.5 points and 4.3 rebounds with 33% from deep this season, providing a solid presence in the paint. Olynyk adds some more shooting and versatility, fitting well with Orlando’s style.
The Magic´s current record is 5-6, showing a team in development but still in contention as the 4th seed in the East. Adding both bigs from the Raptors could give them the boost they need to climb the Eastern Conference standings and rise above .500 when Banchero comes back to the court.
While Isaac’s injury history is a concern for the Raptors, the potential reward, along with the draft pick, makes this trade worth considering. For the Magic, acquiring Boucher and Olynyk addresses immediate needs, making this deal a win-win for both teams.
The Raptors Complete Rebuilding Deals
Raptors receive: De’Andre Hunter, Vit Krejci, Aaron Wiggins, Ousmane Dieng, Jonathan Isaac, 2025 first-round pick (via DEN), 2025 first-round pick (via PHI), 2025 first-round pick (via SAC)
Raptors trade: Bruce Brown, Jakob Poeltl, Chris Boucher, Kelly Olynyk
In this scenario, the Raptors are officially hitting the reset button, shaking up the roster to stockpile young players and draft picks that could shape their future. Here’s the breakdown of this ambitious rebuild move:
The Raptors ship out some familiar faces: Bruce Brown, Jakob Poeltl, Chris Boucher, and Kelly Olynyk. Each of them lands in a different spot with teams that could use their specific skills. Boucher and Olynyk head to the Magic, giving Orlando a couple of veteran bigs who can bring stability and versatility to a young squad trying to make a splash in the East. Poeltl makes his way to OKC, where his defense and rebounding will be perfect for the Thunder’s young, high-energy roster. Brown heads to the Hawks, bringing grit, defense, and playoff experience to a team looking to construct a better identity.
What do the Raptors get in return? A whole lot of potential. De’Andre Hunter is a solid wing with defensive chops, and Jonathan Isaac—while a bit of a gamble with his injury history—could be a game-changer if he stays healthy. Then there’s a trio of young players in Vit Krejci, Aaron Wiggins, and Ousmane Dieng, who all bring developmental upside, giving Toronto plenty of young talent to work with.
But the real prize here is the three 2025 first-round picks (from Denver, Philly, and Sacramento). These picks give the Raptors flexibility galore—whether they want to draft some new talent, use them in other deals, or just keep building their future foundation.
In this dream scenario, the Raptors set themselves up for a serious rebuild, stacking up youth and draft capital to lay the groundwork for the next era in Toronto. It’s a bold move, but if they’re committed to starting fresh, this is exactly the kind of haul they’d be after.
