The Toronto Raptors are positioning themselves as a serious contender in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade discussion. Eager to push toward true contention, the Raptors could transform their roster by acquiring Giannis. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley laid out a possible deal that would send Giannis and his brother Thanasis to Toronto in return for RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, Collin Murray-Boyles, Ja’Kobe Walter, and first-round picks in 2030, 2031, and 2032.
“Toronto boasts a rich collection of above-average-to-good talent, but this group needs an elite to fully enter the championship chase. Antetokounmpo is on the shortest list of the planet’s best players and certainly the best among those with any kind of shot at becoming available between now and the trade deadline,” Buckley noted in his article.
This would be a daring move for the Raptors, yet it may be necessary for them to prove they can compete in the Eastern Conference. The trade would cost them crucial contributors like Barrett and Poeltl, along with Murray-Boyles, the No. 9 overall pick whose potential continues to grow.
Could Giannis Antetokounmpo join the Raptors?
Nov 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after making a basket against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Still, this move would allow the Raptors to go all-in, and at some point, they may have to take that leap to be taken seriously as contenders. At 31, Antetokounmpo still has several productive years ahead, making him a potentially transformative addition. The proposed package raises concerns, however, as it would strip Toronto of its only true center.
Rim protection has been a recurring issue this season, even with Poeltl on the floor, meaning the team would need to pursue another move to address that gap. Scottie Barnes could slide into the center role, but that solution is not guaranteed to work long-term.
Oct 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is defended by Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) and guard Immanuel Quickley (5) in the first quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gerry Angus-Imagn Images
It will be intriguing to see whether the Raptors emerge as a genuine destination for Antetokounmpo. If they do, this represents a realistic package Toronto would likely need to surrender to make the deal happen.