TITLE: Raptors Emerge as Serious Suitor for Anthony Davis While Surveying Wider Trade Market
SLUG: raptors-weigh-davis-pursuit-multiple-trade-targets
CONTENT:
The Toronto Raptors have shown the most substantive interest among Eastern Conference clubs linked to Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis, according to NBA insider Marc Stein during an appearance on the DLLS Mavs podcast released December 18.
Stein said Toronto’s level of engagement far exceeds that of the Atlanta Hawks, whose inquiries are viewed as “exploratory,” and the Detroit Pistons, whose rumored pursuit he described as “vastly overstated.” Michael Scotto of HoopsHype echoed that characterization, noting that Detroit appears reluctant to make a significant in-season move.
Even so, league sources cautioned that a Davis deal is far from imminent. Dallas is still assessing the 10-time All-Star’s chemistry with rookie forward Cooper Flagg, monitoring his health, and studying his overall impact on the current roster.
Sabonis, Ball Also on Toronto’s Radar
Scotto confirmed a previous report from Jake Fischer that Toronto held “exploratory” talks with Sacramento over All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis during the offseason. While no active negotiations are underway, Sacramento general manager Scott Perry—who drafted RJ Barrett while running the New York Knicks—remains fond of the Canadian wing. Sources told HoopsHype the Raptors have recently gauged Barrett’s market value, positioning him as a potential piece in any future Sabonis discussions.
The club also contacted the Charlotte Hornets this past summer to check on point guard LaMelo Ball’s availability, Scotto reported. Charlotte showed no inclination to move the former Rookie of the Year, and the talks went no further. Guard Immanuel Quickley is viewed as a logical outgoing contract match should Toronto revisit a high-salary point guard acquisition.
Frontcourt Depth Talks with Phoenix
Toronto and the Phoenix Suns discussed a framework that would send wing Ochai Agbaji and second-round draft compensation to Arizona in exchange for center Nick Richards, league sources told HoopsHype. The proposal would bolster the Raptors’ front line while nudging them below the luxury-tax threshold. For Phoenix, the deal would replenish scarce draft capital but intensify its tax burden, and team officials are reportedly more focused on adding a power forward than another perimeter option.
Ingram Explains Extension Decision
Forward Brandon Ingram spoke with Scotto about his move to Toronto and his decision to sign a three-year, $120 million extension before playing a game for the Raptors. “I told myself whoever wanted me, I was going to be content being there,” Ingram said. He added that as the 2025 trade deadline approached he learned “two or three teams” had interest and ultimately chose Toronto for a fresh start alongside emerging star Scottie Barnes.
Source: HoopsRumors
