The Toronto Raptors have told other clubs they want to bolster their frontcourt but have no intention of moving starting center Jakob Poeltl, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Poeltl, who signed a new contract during the offseason and becomes trade-eligible on January 7, is averaging 10.1 points and 8.0 rebounds—both his lowest figures since the 2020/21 campaign. TSN’s Josh Lewenberg reported that the 30-year-old has been managing a lingering back issue, yet Toronto still prefers to add help beside him rather than replace him.
The scope of any deal may hinge on how the Raptors perform in the weeks leading to the February 5 trade deadline. Fischer notes the club could pursue either a depth piece or a higher-salary impact player.
Potential targets
Fischer writes that Toronto and Atlanta have shown the most interest in Dallas big man Anthony Davis. League sources believe the Hawks are a long shot because the Mavericks are unlikely to center a package on Trae Young or Kristaps Porziņģis, and Atlanta is unwilling to include its valuable 2026 first-round pick (the more favorable of Milwaukee’s and New Orleans’ selections).
Lewenberg, echoing earlier reporting from Michael Grange, says the Raptors may actually favor another Mavericks center, Daniel Gafford, and have already inquired about him. Orlando center Goga Bitadze is also on Toronto’s radar, according to the report.
If the front office aims higher, Fischer hears the Raptors have interest in Sacramento All-Star Domantas Sabonis and would likely reach out to Milwaukee should Giannis Antetokounmpo ever become available.
Cap considerations and possible outgoing pieces
Lewenberg believes the odds of an in-season transaction are “pretty high.” Toronto sits just under $1 million above the luxury-tax threshold and would like to move back below it. In a smaller deal, wings Ochai Agbaji and Gradey Dick are considered likely trade candidates because of the team’s crowded depth on the perimeter.
The Raptors hold all of their future first-round picks, giving them flexibility for a larger move. The only outgoing selections are their 2031 second-round pick and a 2026 second-rounder that is top-55 protected and unlikely to convey to Indiana.
Source: Hoops Rumors
