The Toronto Raptors have missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons and they will enter the 2025-26 NBA season looking to end their drought and take advantage of the weakened Eastern Conference.
Of course, the Raptors have built a solid core led by Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and Brandon Ingram.
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Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) and forward Scottie Barnes (4).© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
They also added another key young player this offseason as they selected Collin Murray-Boyles in the 2025 draft.
With their current core, the Raptors are looking to turn things around and end their playoff drought this season and they could look to make some moves ahead of the trade deadline.
Raptors Could Target Giannis Antetokounmpo
While Toronto could look to upgrade their depth this season, they could also look to add another star player to their roster and one player they have been linked to is Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) defendsNick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
For Giannis, he was the main storyline entering the offseason as many around the NBA expected him to demand a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks, but that was not the case.
Despite this, the superstar forward could change his mind this season if the Bucks struggle once again and if that is the case, Toronto could pull off a trade for him.
Mock Trade Sends Giannis to Raptors for Guard Trio
In a potential trade, the Raptors could send Barrett, Quickley, Gradey Dick and multiple first-round picks to the Bucks in exchange for Giannis and Gary Trent Jr.
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Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9)© Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
Of course, this trade would be an ideal one for Toronto as they would be able to keep some of their key pieces such as Barnes, Poeltl, Ingram and Murray-Boyles, though the Bucks may ask for one of them in return.
If that ends up not being the case, moving both Quickley and Barrett, both of whom have been in trade rumors, along with Dick for Giannis could end up being a major win for the Raptors.
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
For Giannis, he would give the Raptors a much-needed star that they have not had since Kawhi Leonard left after leading them to a championship.
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The two-time MVP would give Toronto a dominant scorer and also arguably the league’s best defender who could pair well inside alongside Poeltl.
By making this move, the Raptors could become an instant contender this season with Giannis leading the way, though the Bucks may require them to include another one of their key players in trade talks.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 20, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.