The Toronto Raptors are big game hunting at the deadline. If there's a star available (or one who may become available), the Raptors seem to be extremely active in making calls and discussing potential deals. Whether a deal actually comes to fruition, but the Raps are doing their due diligence to say the least. Now, there's reason to believe they'll put together an offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who may not have officially requested a trade from Milwaukee, but got the closest he's ever come.
From NBA insider Jake Fischer, on a recent Bleacher Report stream:
Three teams that I do think will be involved. The Raptors, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Brooklyn Nets... They poked around on Anthony Davis before he got hurt. We heard they were the one real team other than Washington that was checking on Trae Young. They're definitely still looking at Domantas Sabonis, and I would absolutely be shocked that they're not calling Milwaukee about Giannis Antetokounmpo right now as well."
In short, expect plenty of Raptors rumors to be flying over the next week leading up to the deadline. Giannis is the white whale, of course, but a Domantas Sabonis deal would be pretty fun, too. Adding that versatility at center would give this team a dimension that any team should welcome.
Raptors seem to be fiending for a big trade
I don't want to use the word "desperate," because things aren't desperate in Toronto right now. The Raptors are 29-20 and just one game behind the Knicks for No. 2 in the Eastern Conference. Things are going how the front office hoped they would; Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes are the go-to guys on a team that's competing in a depleted East.
But maybe that's the perfect time to make the big trade. The Raptors are playing well enough that the league-wide value of their players is likely very good right now, making a trade more feasible. Giving the Kings some young talent and a pick for Sabonis or going really all in with a legit offer for Giannis don't feel like outrageous proposals anymore, especially because the Knicks and Heat (two other potential Giannis suitors) can't make their best pitches until this summer.
Toronto is sitting pretty right now; a trade for Giannis doesn't feel like the only way forward — but it's still encouraging that the front office is making the requisite calls. Even a trade for Sabonis feels like house money. It would be awesome, but things won't feel bleak if the blockbuster move isn't made. There's no pressure!