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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 25: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks warms up prior to the start of the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on December 25, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Toronto Raptors have been one of the biggest surprises in the Eastern Conference so far this season. They sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, meaning they would have home-court advantage in a playoff series if the postseason were to start today.
Toronto has been one of the teams linked to interest in Anthony Davis at the trade deadline. Davis is currently injured and will be for the next few weeks. His injury history is a massive reason why the Mavericks haven’t been able to find a trade partner for him yet.
A three-team trade proposal from Bleacher Report has the Mavs trading Davis to the Raptors in a wild trade that sees Toronto go all-in.
GettyDallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis holds the ball. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors Add Anthony Davis in Trade Proposal
Here is the full trade idea:
Raptors Receive: Anthony Davis
Mavericks Receive: RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, Ochai Agbaji, and a top-three protected 2027 first-round pick from Toronto
Nets Receive:D’Angelo Russell and a 2027 second-round pick from Toronto
Toronto certainly has some assets to trade. If they want, they could make a big move at the deadline. Bringing in Davis in exchange for Barret and Poeltl would be a bold move. All three of those players have struggled to stay healthy.
For Dallas, bringing in a first-round pick is key for them. Barrett is a young player with a lot of talent, but the Mavericks need some draft capital. The Nets would be glad just to get another second-round pick as they try to facilitate their rebuild.
Davis would be forced to play center without Poeltl in the lineup, which is something he has been very vocal about not liking to do. He prefers to play the power forward position. Toronto likely wouldn’t get Davis back until right before the playoffs start if they did make this move.
GettyToronto Raptors forward Barndon Ingram looks to pass the ball. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
The Raptors Are Candidates to Make a Big Trade
Toronto is one of the teams in the NBA that has assets to make a big move if they so choose. The combination of draft assets and some good players could embolden them to make a big move. Their key players have stayed healthy this year, as well.
Brandon Ingram has been able to stay healthy for most of this season, which is one of the reasons why they have played so well. Right now, the Raptors have the 11th-worst offense in the league. Any trade they make would have an eye on fixing that putrid number.
Toronto might not make a move for Davis. They could try to get in on the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, although they might not have the best deal to offer the Bucks. Antetokounmpo would have to commit to signing a contract extension in Toronto.
The Raptors are certainly a team to watch at the trade deadline in a few days. There has yet to be a big trade with a star player since the Trae Young trade.