The Toronto Raptors are rumored to be chasing a star via trade, which could mean sending Brandon Ingram packing before he ever puts on their uniform. The All-Star was acquired from the Pelicans before the deadline, but an ankle injury prevented him from suiting up. Toronto gave BI a three-year $120 million extension and now has the perfect salary-matcher in a blockbuster trade.
Scottie Barnes’ max extension starts in the 2025-26 season, so now is the time to make moves. The 23-year-old isn’t going anywhere. The Raptors have interest in trading RJ Barrett, but his $27 million would take another deal like Jakob Poeltl’s to get to Giannis or Kevin Durant money. Poeltl is Toronto’s only midsized contract, which means Ingram will be back on the block in those deals.
The Bucks do not want to bottom out because they do not control their draft picks. Several teams are in this position, so getting back an All-Star forward capable of scoring 20 every night and attracting fans will be of interest. It will still take a massive haul to get this blockbuster deal completed, but it could mean Ingram never actually suits up for Toronto.
Brandon Ingram could be traded for a superstar
Masai Ujiri sees a wide-open Eastern Conference and is doing whatever possible to improve the Raptors' roster. He did this in 2019, and it resulted in a championship. Ujiri traded DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard and watched the Klaw win Finals MVP as Toronto upset the heavily-favored Warriors with Kevin Durant. This was the beginning of the end for the Dubs as Durant left for Brooklyn and Klay Thompson missed two straight seasons.
Ujiri wants to capitalize again. Jayson Tatum is out for the entire 2025-26 season. It leaves the Pacers, Knicks, and Cavaliers as the class of the East. With another leap from Scottie Barnes and a trade for a top-20 player in the NBA, the Raptors are in business. Toronto is searching for the move, but finding it won’t be easy.
Ujiri bought low on Ingram. It cost the Raptors Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, a 2026 first-round draft pick from the Pacers, and a 2031 second-rounder. If Toronto's front office can flip him into a superstar, the trade will go down as a massive win.
Now is the time. The Thunder look elite, but injuries derail teams all the time. If the Raptors make the finals, who knows what team they will face. Nobody expected the Pacers to get there in 2025, but it happened. Dallas made a surprise run last year. Toronto wants to give themselves a chance, but pulling off a blockbuster trade is the only way.
The Toronto Raptors have followed this blueprint before. Can Masai Ujiri find another elite talent via trade? He is doing everything in his power. The Raptors see the opportunity. Now, it is time to capitalize on it.