Amid escalating roster expenses, the Toronto Raptors’ restructured front office is reportedly aiming to field a competitive team in the 2025-26 NBA season. Sports Illustrated’s Dave Holcomb foresees an avenue for the Eastern Conference playoff hopeful to land Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo without relinquishing its top player, Scottie Barnes.
Despite coming off a 30-win campaign, the Raptors owe four of their starters (Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, and Barnes) between $27.7 million and $38.7 million next season. Though offensively gifted, each player thrives with the ball, raising concerns about their fit together. Meanwhile, none have proven to be primary scoring options on upper-echelon teams.
As Toronto looks to ascend the East standings, Antetokounmpo’s status has been an ongoing talking point this offseason. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported earlier this month that the two-time MVP is “continuing to evaluate his future” after enduring three straight first-round playoff exits. As such, newly appointed lead Raptors executive Bobby Webster may soon have a prime opportunity to make a franchise-altering move.
Why Does NBA Analyst Propose a Giannis Antetokounmpo to Raptors Trade?
On Friday, Holcomb outlined how Toronto could pursue Antetokounmpo for a trade package centered around Quickley and extensive first-round draft compensation.
Proposed Deal
Raptors Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks Receive: Immanuel Quickley, Ochai Agbaji, 2026 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick, 2032 first-round pick
According to Holcomb, the Raptors acquiring a top-three caliber player while shedding the final four years of Quickley’s hefty five-year, $162.5 million contract would justify their costly roster. Meanwhile, it would satisfy the organization’s longstanding hunt for a bona fide centerpiece, potentially vaulting it into contention, even if spacing issues linger with an Antetokounmpo and Barnes-led lineup.
“With a Quickley trade to Milwaukee, the Raptors would fulfill two goals that are potential objectives this offseason. Move on from Quickley, who is expensive and injury-prone, and land a big-name star,” Holcomb wrote.
What Could Be the Sticking Point for the Bucks in the Proposed Trade?
While Quickley, who was limited to 33 outings due to injuries last season, flashed potential as a shot creator and playmaker, he has yet to live up to his $32.5 million annual salary. As such, it may be tough to sell Milwaukee on taking on his deal while parting with the trade’s clear-cut best player, who is still under contract for at least two more years.
Even so, Holcomb believes that if Antetokounmpo seeks greener pastures, the Bucks securing a “high-upside” guard, along with Agbaji and four first-round picks, marks “good value.” The analyst added that such a package would help them “transition away from the ‘Greek Freak’ and build toward the future.”
That said, if Milwaukee gives up Antetokounmpo without netting a guaranteed franchise cornerstone, it could be in store for a prolonged rebuild, rendering the proposal a long shot.
If I’m the bucks, I can do better.
Raptors also would need a point guard? Love Ant but I don’t see this trade working as suggested.
Another SF/PF? Raptors need 3 pt shooting!
Wtf? This is horrible for the bucks. Why would they absorb more bad contacts if they just signed miles turner? It’s not a rebuild for them yet.
I do not know much about basketball. I have enjoyed cheering for the Raptors through the highs of the last decade. Could you give a definition of the basketball terms you use (ie. spacing) and give a good and bad example of each? It seems to a novice like me that they all do good and bad, and it is more about the percent they do the good.
Spacing refers to a player’s ability to “create space” which generally means a threat from the outside (a solid three point shooter) or the ability to play off the ball (not having the ball in their hands).