The Toronto Raptors possess a full stock of future first-round picks, a rarity shared by only six other NBA clubs, giving the franchise the flexibility to enter negotiations if a high-profile player hits the trade market.
According to reporting from Eric Koreen of The Athletic, that asset pool positions Toronto as a potential suitor for forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis. Even so, Koreen contends the organization would be better served by waiting rather than launching an all-in bid.
Koreen writes that any serious discussion with the Milwaukee Bucks for Antetokounmpo would almost certainly begin with Scottie Barnes and multiple first-round selections. While Barnes may never reach Antetokounmpo’s MVP heights, the 22-year-old is nearly seven years younger, earns considerably less, and carries a cleaner injury record.
Uncertainty also surrounds whether Antetokounmpo—or the Bucks—would view Toronto as an acceptable landing spot.
If the Raptors tried to keep Barnes, Koreen notes a different framework could revolve around RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, and draft compensation. However, that scenario would leave the roster light at center, deplete depth, and restrict future maneuverability.
Anthony Davis could be acquired for a smaller collection of assets, but comparable concerns persist. The Los Angeles Lakers star is older, has missed extended stretches with injuries, and his salary would require Toronto to offload multiple starters to balance the cap.
While Davis would immediately raise the Raptors’ talent level, Koreen questions whether such a move would push the team meaningfully closer to championship contention.
For now, the prevailing recommendation is patience, leveraging Toronto’s draft capital only when a clearer path to sustained success emerges.
Source: Hoops Wire
