The Toronto Raptors have been a surprise team in the NBA this season as they currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 24-17 record.
Of course, the Raptors have built a solid core led by Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett and they have looked like one of the top teams in the East this season despite some of their key players missing extended periods due to injuries.
Advertisement
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) and forward Scottie Barnes (4).© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
While Toronto has been a top team in the East thus far, they do have some glaring holes in their roster that they could look to fill ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
One area the Raptors could look to upgrade is the center position, especially with Jakob Poeltl still sidelined due to a back strain that has cost him multiple games this season.
Raptors May Target Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic Ahead of Trade Deadline
Toronto has been linked to multiple big men thus far in trade rumors, including Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis and Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis.
Advertisement
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9).Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
Despite this, the Raptors may look elsewhere around the league to upgrade their center position and one player they could target is Chicago Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic.
Of course, Vucevic has been in trade rumors for multiple seasons and Chicago may try to move him again this season, which could cause Toronto to show interest.
Trade Idea Lands Raptors Nikola Vucevic From Bulls for Immanuel Quickley
In a potential trade, the Raptors could send Immanuel Quickley to the Bulls in exchange for Vucevic and Ayo Dosunmu.
Advertisement
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (5)Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
For Toronto, moving on from Quickley could be a tough decision for them to make, though swapping him for two key players could help them fill some of the holes in their roster.
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9)
Vucevic would provide the Raptors with a reliable scorer and rebounder at the center position who could give their lineup a boost, especially with his ability to stretch the floor due to his 3-point shooting.
This season, the 35-year-old center is averaging 16.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 50.2% from the field and 38.6% from three.
Advertisement
Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (11)Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
For Dosunmu, he would give Toronto another key young player at the guard position who could be a solid replacement for Quickley while also giving them another reliable scorer and defender.
This season, the 25-year-old guard is averaging 14.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 51.5% from the field and 45.0% from three.
While this trade could work out well for the Raptors, they may instead look to package Quickley, if they decide to move him, for another star player to pair alongside their core to try and make a run at the top seed in the East and a potential deep playoff run.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.