3 reasons Raptors should run screaming from Anthony Davis trade

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 18: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up ahead of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 18: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up ahead of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
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Anthony Davis, Toronto Raptors
TAMPA, FLORIDA – APRIL 06: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

1. Injury history

When people think of Davis, they think of his distinctive unibrow, dominant post-game, and masterful shot-blocking first and foremost. However, his injuries have, unfortunately, become a big part of his legacy as a player. Would the Raptors be getting damaged goods here?

Davis has played in just 84 games since the start of the 2020-21 season, and many of his injuries are concerning muscle ailments that likely won’t decrease once he crossed the 30-year-old Rubicon. The Raptors have durability problems as it is without adding a professional hospital patient plagued by a career in basketball.

The Toronto Raptors might not want an injured Anthony Davis.

While acquiring Gilgeous-Alexander has the same durability questions attached to it, Ujiri will likely feel more comfortable adding a young guard with a solid 3-point shot instead of an aging big man who has had trouble for years. He isn’t going to suddenly become A.C. Green and play every day.

In his prime, the Raptors would have moved heaven and earth to get a player like Davis, as he could have been the perfect five-man for this team. As it stands right now, both he and Westbrook are not valued commodities. The Lakers may want Gary Trent Jr. badly, but no deal appears likely right now.