One of the most shocking reports to emerge during the 2024-25 NBA season has revealed that Giannis Antetokounmpo is open to playing for the Toronto Raptors.
Toronto is coming off of a brutal 2024-25 season during which it went 30-52. As such, few would've expected it to surface as a potential destination for one of the best players in NBA history—let alone during the prime of their career.
The Raptors may not be quite as far from relevancy as projected, however, and Antetokounmpo's reported interest seems to support that possibility.
Toronto started an injury-plagued season at 8-31, but quietly went 22-21 the rest of the way. Having played above-.500 basketball over the course of the second half of the season, the Raptors have positioned themselves to make a splash this summer.
According to Doug Smith of The Toronto Star, Antetokounmpo would consider a trade to the Raptors. Smith made it perfectly clear, however, that said rumor must be taken with a grain of salt.
"So allegedly, Giannis has let it be known he wants to stay in the East and Toronto would be an acceptable destination. I’m a bit skeptical of this allegation, but let’s take the rumour as just that — a rumour."
Smith stated at length that he isn't entirely sure of how valid the rumor is, but it's intriguing to think that Toronto could make a successful run at Antetokounmpo.
Giannis reportedly hasn't ruled Raptors out as next team
The Raptors are reportedly pursuing trades for a star, which would seemingly imply that Antetokounmpo is a top trade target for Masai Ujiri. They also have an abundance of intriguing trade assets to turn such a dream into a reality.
It remains unclear if Toronto could convince the Milwaukee Bucks to agree to an Antetokounmpo trade, but Ujiri may just have enough at his disposal to initiate a meaningful conversation.
The Raptors' top trade assets include productive wing RJ Barrett, who averaged 21.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game in 2024-25. A trade offer could also feature Immanuel Quickley, who has averaged 17.2 points and 6.3 assists in 71 games with Toronto.
The big question, however, is whether or not the Raptors would be willing to include All-Star wing Brandon Ingram instead of pairing him with Antetokounmpo.
Regardless of how those three players are ultimately combined, it's safe to assume Toronto would be asked to dive into its deep pool of promising up-and-coming players. Some assortment of Ochai Agbaji, Gradey Dick, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamal Shead, and Ja'Kobe Walter would likely need to be included.
Toronto also has future first-round draft picks in every class from 2025 through 2031, which it could package in accordance with the Stepien Rule.
An offer for Antetokounmpo would likely feature the No. 9 overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, thus putting Toronto's 2027, 2029, and 2031 first-rounders in play. While there wouldn't be a definitive franchise player heading out to Milwaukee in this scenario, it would be receiving an abundance of young players and draft picks to expedite its resurgence.
That may still prove insufficient, especially if Scottie Barnes is labeled as untouchable, but if Antetokounmpo's interest in playing for the Raptors is sincere, then Ujiri must explore every path toward acquiring him.