Despite some early chatter that the Raptors might get involved in numerous star sweepstakes, it became clear as the deadline neared that Toronto was mainly focused on getting under the luxury tax. They trusted Bobby Webster to lead this squad to prominence. Still, even if saving money was the priority, it was obvious to both fans and analysts that the Raptors could use some roster upgrades. They desperately needed more size in the frontcourt, and maybe some veteran additions and proven shooters wouldn’t hurt either.
It seemed like traction was building to an inevitable Domantas Sabonis trade, but mere hours before the deadline, new details emerged that Toronto wasn't close to a secure deal as there was next to no interest in either the Kings or a third-team taking on Jakob Poeltl's salary. The only path to help Toronto get there was if they were willing to part ways with their first-round draft capital, to which that idea was shut down, and honestly speaking for Raptors Nation — it was honestly a blessing in disguise.
We are just over a week removed from the 2026 NBA trade deadline. The Raptors achieved their goal of getting under the luxury tax and made a small move to address their big man need by acquiring Trayce Jackson-Davis. But there was a report to emerge in the trade deadline fallout that Raptors fans will find quite eye-catching.
Bobby Webster dropped this in the post-trade deadline aftermath: "The one big thing we went after wasn't even reported." That vague and punchy quote sent Raptors discussion circles into a bit of a frenzy as everyone tried to figure out who exactly this 'big name' was that Webster was referring to. Talking about using "big name" in this context, from a physical standpoint it couldn't be more fitting.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler is reportedly the player in question. In the wake of Webster's comments, Siegel would reveal in an X post: "Word on the street is that Toronto made a big push for Walker Kessler." Furthermore, Siegel would provide additional context to this report in a trade deadline intel piece for ClutchPoints, where he wrote:
Rumors suggest the Raptors eagerly targeted Jazz center Walker Kessler
"In addition to talking with the Kings about Sabonis and the Grizzlies about Jackson Jr., the Raptors also made a very strong push the day of the trade deadline for Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, league sources confirmed to ClutchPoints. Multiple first-round picks were offered by the Raptors for Kessler, who is out for the season after undergoing surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder, yet the Jazz held zero interest in trading their young big man."Brett Siegel, Feb 11, 2026
If these rumors are true, they give fans a clearer idea of what the Raptors may be willing to part ways with in order to find a roster upgrade, considering that line "multiple first-round picks". Acquiring a developing piece who can make an impact right now and also bring youth into the lineup for the future. Coming out of the Rudy Gobert trade, Kessler gave the Jazz a valuable asset to boast about. He's an elite shot-blocker, a strong rebounder, and an efficient interior presence.
I’m not surprised Utah wasn't willing to trade Kessler so soon, especially since they’re building a promising core with Keyonte George, Isaiah Collier, Ace Bailey, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Lauri Markkanen. I think Walker Kessler is great, and while I’m not sure I’d give up a bunch of firsts to get him, it’s interesting how this ties into the draft pick chatter that Raptors discussion circles were quick to highlight.
If you recall, the Raptors made a pretty weak and costly deadline move a few years back, trading Goran Dragic and their 2022 first-round pick for Thaddeus Young. That pick ended up at 20th overall, and the Spurs took Malaki Branham, who didn’t turn into much anyway (and just got waived recently). But if you consider the context and the draft order that followed, the Raptors could have just kept their own pick and simply absorbed the expiring Dragic deal.
Had they done that, they might have had a shot at Walker Kessler, who fell to the Wolves at 22nd overall. Considering Toronto went with a center anyhow at the 2022 draft, selecting Christian Koloko at 33rd overall, I think it's pretty safe to say the Raptors would've been tantalized by the idea of Kessler in the first round. Yes, hindsight is 20/20 and who could have known if Toronto would end up with this version of Kessler or even the ripple effects that followed. Still, Raptors fans couldn’t help but point out this narrative, and honestly, I couldn’t agree more.
Kessler is set to hit restricted free agency this summer, giving the Raptors another chance to revisit talks. However, expect the 24-year-old to have a wide range of suitors, with the Jazz still holding top billing to bring him back on an extension.