The Toronto Raptors are back in the hunt, and they are swinging big this time. After three straight seasons without a playoff appearance and the departure of core players like Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby, the front office seems ready to turn the page in dramatic shape.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Toronto Raptors made waves around the league by indicating interest in acquiring a superstar. Windhorst said that the Raptors are a team starting to make noise about looking for a big fish on The Hoop Collective podcast. With uncertainty surrounding top contenders in the East, Masai Ujiri and the Raptors sense an opening and are ready to act accordingly.
Toronto Raptors Could Target Big Stars
At the top of the Toronto Raptors’ wish list is Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks star isn’t officially on the trade market, but ongoing questions in Milwaukee kept his name in trade talks. If he becomes available, the Raptors would be a great fit. Giannis would thrive in Toronto’s fast, position-less system built around defense and versatility.
Kevin Durant is another name to watch. Questions around the Suns ‘ long-term direction surfaced after a turbulent season in Phoenix. Durant in Toronto would feel similar to the Kawhi Leonard gamble, a high-stakes move for a proven closer with a championship run. With Toronto’s mix of young talent and strong defenders, Durant wouldn’t need to carry the load during the season.
Jaylen Brown also makes sense. Boston may face financial pressure with multiple stars on max deals, and the Browns’ name is already in the trade rumors. He fits what the Raptors want: a strong, athletic presence who can always defend, score, and play without sending the ball. Brown is still young and could grow with the team’s current core.
Windhorst said the Toronto Raptors are among the few Eastern Conference teams looking to make a big move. “If you’re an Eastern Conference team that’s in the middle of the pack, you’re looking at the teams in front of you going. Boston is hurt, and so there are some teams that sniff the ability to make a move,” he said. (Via – Yahoo Sports)
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The raptors moved on from their old core and are now focusing on building something new. With cap space, trade pieces, and an aggressive front office, Toronto can strike. If it tried to land a superstar, the Eastern Conference could remain a serious new contender next season.
