Alright folks, welcome to what’s essentially part two of my last piece. If you haven’t checked that out yet, I’d recommend doing so first.
I just gave a little insight into how the Raptors have long been considered one of Giannis’s top suitors, especially back when Masai Ujiri was still around and pending the results of a post-Bucks title era. Now, here we are — more or less, the Bucks are crumbling as we know it, and it might just be a matter of time before the "Greek Freak" is sporting some new threads.
Likewise, I shortly discussed the proposition that ESPN’s Tim Bontemps brought up in a recent episode of The Hoop Collective Podcast, where they talked about the Raptors' potential to become a destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Here's what Bontemps suggested the Raptors could do to outshine the rest of the competition (YouTube link here).
Raptors' best shot at Giannis? Bontemps says it'll likely cost all of their picks
"Here's what I would say. If I am the Bucks and I could just get Toronto's entire draft, I'm think about it. I'm thinking about it. [...] Well, this year's pick is probably going to be [...] a pretty bad pick relatively, but I mean, like if I could get seven years of Toronto Raptors' drafts fully in control. I'm thinking about it. Like, that could lead to some really, really good picks down the road."Tim Bontemps, Jan 28, 2026
As contributor Daniel O'Connor has mentioned in previous pieces for Raptors Rapture, Toronto is in a really unique position — albeit with a bit of a trade deadline dilemma on their hands. They have a wealth of their own draft picks, which could be their golden ticket to a major trade.
But the Raptors' entire draft inventory for the next seven years, ladies and gentlemen. No more firsts in Toronto's midst from there on out, if they pulled the trigger on such a rash decision.
Look, Giannis Antetokounmpo is not just any ordinary trade candidate. I’d argue that many teams in the league have been waiting for a player of his caliber to hit the market — the Raptors are undoubtedly among them. He’s still only 31 years old and has plenty of prime years ahead to be a franchise cornerstone, assuming no unforeseen injuries or a shocking decline.
If Toronto were to acquire Giannis, they’d immediately become one of the top contenders out of the East. They’re already a formidable team in the conference, but the "Greek Freak" would elevate their title chances even further. The Raptors would need to be absolutely sure they can come out of the trade with at least one more title to their name after acquiring Giannis. If their championship core can't generate positive results, it could turn into a colossal mistake if guys suddenly become unhappy and want out.
I wouldn’t expect such a bleak scenario to actually happen, but it’s definitely not great for Raptors fans to be thinking about the possibility of having no picks for the foreseeable future. That said, Toronto’s got a major decision to make — if Giannis could join the Raps at this price, do they actually consider it? We’ll just have to wait a little longer to find out, folks.