{"id":169953,"date":"2025-12-16T23:52:50","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T04:52:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=169953"},"modified":"2025-12-16T23:52:50","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T04:52:50","slug":"raptors-gunning-for-5x-all-nba-center-3x-all-star-and-a-surprise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/12\/16\/raptors-gunning-for-5x-all-nba-center-3x-all-star-and-a-surprise\/","title":{"rendered":"Raptors Gunning For 5x All-NBA Center, 3x All-Star, And A Surprise"},"content":{"rendered":"

TORONTO<\/strong> \u2014 Trade season has arrived, and Toronto has wasted little time engaging the market. League executives expect activity, and the Raptors<\/a> already fit that profile. According to reporting from Jake L. Fischer, Toronto has placed exploratory calls on elite frontcourt talent.\u00a0 As Fischer wrote<\/a>, \u201cSources with knowledge of the Raptors\u2019 thinking have identified them as a team with interest in Domantas Sabonis as well as Anthony Davis.\u201d That statement signals Toronto\u2019s intent. The Raptors will look try to trade for Anthony Davis<\/a> and Domantas Sabonis<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Raptors Gunning For 5x All-NBA Center, 3x All-Star, And A Surprise<\/h2>\n

A Team Exceeding Expectations<\/h3>\n
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Nov 8, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Injured Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis looks on from the bench during a timeout against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Toronto\u2019s interest comes from a position of strength, not desperation. The Raptors sit third in the East with a 16\u201311 record, well above preseason forecasts. They surged through a nine-game winning streak and lost just once in a fourteen-game stretch. A recent four-game skid ended with a road win in Miami, restoring momentum. This context matters. Toronto is reinforcing. That explains why the Raptors’ interest in Anthony Davis feels plausible rather than speculative.<\/p>\n

The Jakob Poeltl Problem<\/h3>\n

Jakob Poeltl\u2019s<\/a> uneven season has clarified priorities. He averages 10.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 26.3 minutes. Those marks represent his lowest scoring and rebounding outputs in five years. Toronto struggles on the glass and ranks bottom ten<\/a> in rebounding. Yet the Raptors still own a top-ten defense, ranked seventh<\/a> overall. That contradiction drives the frontcourt search. Upgrading center play could unlock another defensive tier. Domantas Sabonis and Anthony Davis both address that imbalance for the Raptors differently.<\/p>\n

The Anthony Davis Swing<\/h3>\n

Davis brings rare defensive gravity. The five-time All-NBA selection could elevate Toronto into top-three defensive territory. Davis has missed 16 games with a lingering calf strain and positional discomfort. In 11 appearances, he averages 20 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks. Those numbers trail his career norms. Contractually, the risk is significant. Davis earns $54 million this season with two years remaining. Any Anthony Davis trade would require long-term commitment from the Raptors into his late thirties. Toronto must weigh ceiling against durability.<\/p>\n

Sabonis as the Stabilizer<\/h3>\n

Sabonis offers a different appeal. Sacramento\u2019s downward spiral has opened conversations around veteran movement. The Kings sit thirteenth in the West, fueling reset speculation. Sabonis has missed time since November 19 with a partial meniscus tear. He has played 11 games, averaging 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals. His rebounding pedigree remains elite. Before this season, he led the league in rebounds three straight years. Domantas Sabonis solves the Raptors’ most glaring weakness immediately. His defensive limitations would be easier to mask on this roster.<\/p>\n

A Lower-Cost Alternative<\/h3>\n
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The Raptors have checked in on Daniel Gafford, per @JLew1050<\/a><\/p>\n

(h\/t @Fullcourtpass<\/a>) pic.twitter.com\/IHCVPa2HLE<\/a><\/p>\n

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 16, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n