Sources: Raptors, GM Bobby Webster Working on Extension as Club Downplays Trade Deadline Pressure
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Multiple league sources say the Toronto Raptors and general manager Bobby Webster are engaged in substantive talks on a new contract, indicating the club is not pressing the executive to force an immediate, high-profile trade, according to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange.
Webster, 39, is in the final season of his current agreement. Individuals familiar with the situation told Sportsnet that Webster maintains a strong rapport with Keith Pelley, president of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Raptors. “Everyone is comfortable with each other,” one source said, describing communication between the front office and ownership as healthy and long-term in scope.
Pelley confirmed that Webster’s contract status will not dictate Toronto’s approach to the Feb. 2026 trade deadline. “There is no pressure regarding the trade deadline or his contract,” Pelley said, adding that he is confident Webster will “make the right moves, at the right time, to make us better.”
Trade chatter
The Raptors have been loosely linked to Grizzlies guard Ja Morant since reports surfaced that Memphis is open to moving the two-time All-Star, but one insider told Sportsnet the Canadian club is not expected to place a serious bid. Grange also cast doubt on a speculative framework that would send Lakers big man Anthony Davis, who turns 33 in March, to Toronto in a win-now maneuver.
Toronto’s front office is said to be willing to wait before making a major swing, potentially targeting next season instead. Head coach Darko Rajaković has repeatedly used the word “rebuild” to describe the current campaign, and management believes further internal growth remains.
Deadline priorities
Ducking the luxury tax and fortifying the frontcourt rank as the club’s primary objectives ahead of the deadline, according to Sportsnet. Wing Ochai Agbaji, on a $6.4 million expiring deal, is viewed as Toronto’s most likely outgoing piece.
Orlando center Goga Bitadze, previously linked to the Raptors, remains on the watch list, while Brooklyn’s Day’Ron Sharpe has emerged as another target. Multiple sources also said second-year Pelicans center Yves Missi is available, though it is unclear whether Toronto has interest.
Source: Hoops Rumors
