Shams: Raps one of teams to pursue Anthony Davis

[tsherkin]

I feel like any deal including RJ and a FRP is an overpay.....for an injury prone player that isn't even built to play the center position. As soon as he goes down Raptors become a full-on tanking level team.

This is the silver lining in any AD deal, is the ability to pivot to a full on tank for 2026 (assuming we keep this year's pick and AD inevitably gets injured sometime throughout this season). Returning next year with one of Peterson/Dybantsa and Scottie/Ingram/AD is definitely worth the price of a 60+ million AD imo.

I agree. Full on tank is something that we should be considering if we want to win the championship in the near future.

A championship is a product of luck over time. We aren't winning a title any time soon without some properly staggering luck, so it's more likely we'll continue to make attempts to remain competitive and sneak into the playoffs, I figure.

[Psubs]

CMB, IQ, Poeltl for AD sure I'd do it.

PG Shead - Jakobe - Chucky
SG Barrett - Dick/Lawson
SF Ingram - Battle
PF AD - Scottie - Mogbo
C Scottie - Mamu

[Raptorfan2012]

CMB, IQ, Poeltl for AD sure I'd do it.

PG Shead - Jakobe - Chucky
SG Barrett - Dick/Lawson
SF Ingram - Battle
PF AD - Scottie - Mogbo
C Scottie - Mamu

May take some picks too but I am fine with these 3 going out. Want to throw in Dick somehow as well (I just want him off the team).

[Jerry Lucas]

Will Lou doubled down that he thinks an AD trade to the Raptors involving Poeltl and RJ as the primary outgoing salary filler would be a good move for them.

[MiamiSPX]

Will Lou doubled down that he thinks an AD trade to the Raptors involving Poeltl and RJ as the primary outgoing salary filler would be a good move for them.

I could probably live with that trade without any extension given to him. We'd still likely lose the trade when he misses 60% of his games, but I could live with it only because I can't foresee Poeltl aging out well wither.

Extending him for 4/275 would then make it one of the worst trades in Raptors history.

[VanWest82]

AD is turning 33. The history of athletic bigs who’ve been oft injured getting into their mid-30s is almost universally awful. No thanks!

Also, contrary to popular belief, AD has always functioned best as a PF (same as Scottie) next to a true big, and then you can go small with him at C to finish games against certain opponents. So IOW we’d still need a big and ideally one who can shoot given Davis is inconsistent to say the least.

It’s just a terrible idea all around, especially given we’d surely have to give up some draft compensation which is super risky because the timeline for the current group might be as short as two years.

[Jerry Lucas]

ESPN put out proposals for a bunch of the rumoured teams including Toronto.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47262180/anthony-davis-trade-guide-five-deals-mavericks-warriors-spurs-pistons-hawks-raptors

Raptors get:

Anthony Davis
Tony Bradley


Mavericks get:

RJ Barrett
Jakob Poeltl
Jarace Walker
Ochai Agbaji
2026 first-round pick (via Raptors)
2027 first-round pick (via Pacers, top-14 protected)


Pacers get:

Daniel Gafford

Toronto has been extremely aggressive over the past four trade deadlines, sending out first-round picks for Thaddeus Young, Poeltl, Kelly Olynyk and Brandon Ingram -- so why not do the same for a true star? It remains to be seen if new GM Bobby Webster will act with the same speed as the departed Masai Ujiri, but Toronto's reported interest in Davis suggests such a deal is possible.

The cleanest way for the Raptors to match Davis' salary is to package Barrett and Poeltl, thereby taking a hit on the wing while improving at the center position. From Dallas' perspective, the former is still just 25 years old and could fit as a nice long-term performer next to Flagg, while the latter is a valuable if expensive big man who would give Dallas another option at center with Dereck Lively II.

Thus the Pacers -- who are "in active trade talks around the league to find a center of the future after losing Myles Turner in free agency," according to Charania -- join the party, swapping a lottery-protected pick for Gafford. The rim-running Gafford could team up with stretch big Jay Huff in a versatile center rotation in Indiana.

Finally, the Mavericks would get the rest of the season to evaluate two recent lottery picks who have taken steps back this season in Walker and Agbaji. It's possible a change of scenery could rejuvenate their careers, and Dallas needs young two-way wings. -- Kram

Marks' analysis: It is probably best to look at this trade in reverse. The unprotected first-round pick is valuable because, even with Davis on the roster, there is no guarantee that Toronto is a top-six seed in the East. Maybe a change of scenery helps Walker, but he has not taken advantage of increased playing time in Indiana this season, while Barrett gives the Mavericks a young wing to play alongside Cooper Flagg. Poeltl's contract is of concern, considering he has five years left, including $27.3, $29.5 and $27.3 million owed over the deal's final three seasons.

[Raps in 4]

ESPN put out proposals for a bunch of the rumoured teams including Toronto.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47262180/anthony-davis-trade-guide-five-deals-mavericks-warriors-spurs-pistons-hawks-raptors

Raptors get:

Anthony Davis
Tony Bradley


Mavericks get:

RJ Barrett
Jakob Poeltl
Jarace Walker
Ochai Agbaji
2026 first-round pick (via Raptors)
2027 first-round pick (via Pacers, top-14 protected)


Pacers get:

Daniel Gafford

Toronto has been extremely aggressive over the past four trade deadlines, sending out first-round picks for Thaddeus Young, Poeltl, Kelly Olynyk and Brandon Ingram -- so why not do the same for a true star? It remains to be seen if new GM Bobby Webster will act with the same speed as the departed Masai Ujiri, but Toronto's reported interest in Davis suggests such a deal is possible.

The cleanest way for the Raptors to match Davis' salary is to package Barrett and Poeltl, thereby taking a hit on the wing while improving at the center position. From Dallas' perspective, the former is still just 25 years old and could fit as a nice long-term performer next to Flagg, while the latter is a valuable if expensive big man who would give Dallas another option at center with Dereck Lively II.

Thus the Pacers -- who are "in active trade talks around the league to find a center of the future after losing Myles Turner in free agency," according to Charania -- join the party, swapping a lottery-protected pick for Gafford. The rim-running Gafford could team up with stretch big Jay Huff in a versatile center rotation in Indiana.

Finally, the Mavericks would get the rest of the season to evaluate two recent lottery picks who have taken steps back this season in Walker and Agbaji. It's possible a change of scenery could rejuvenate their careers, and Dallas needs young two-way wings. -- Kram

Marks' analysis: It is probably best to look at this trade in reverse. The unprotected first-round pick is valuable because, even with Davis on the roster, there is no guarantee that Toronto is a top-six seed in the East. Maybe a change of scenery helps Walker, but he has not taken advantage of increased playing time in Indiana this season, while Barrett gives the Mavericks a young wing to play alongside Cooper Flagg. Poeltl's contract is of concern, considering he has five years left, including $27.3, $29.5 and $27.3 million owed over the deal's final three seasons.

I'm fine with that. This year's FRP is the only one I'd be willing to part with since it'll be a mediocre one. If this trade doesn't work out (and it probably won't), it allows us to pivot to a tank or trade for an actual, reliable difference-maker since we'd have all of our future picks.

[Raps in 4]

CMB, IQ, Poeltl for AD sure I'd do it.

PG Shead - Jakobe - Chucky
SG Barrett - Dick/Lawson
SF Ingram - Battle
PF AD - Scottie - Mogbo
C Scottie - Mamu

CMB is an overpay. I'd hold onto him in case an actual reliable star becomes available. A recent top-10 pick has decent value in a trade.

[anotherhomer]

ESPN put out proposals for a bunch of the rumoured teams including Toronto.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47262180/anthony-davis-trade-guide-five-deals-mavericks-warriors-spurs-pistons-hawks-raptors

Raptors get:

Anthony Davis
Tony Bradley


Mavericks get:

RJ Barrett
Jakob Poeltl
Jarace Walker
Ochai Agbaji
2026 first-round pick (via Raptors)
2027 first-round pick (via Pacers, top-14 protected)


Pacers get:

Daniel Gafford

Toronto has been extremely aggressive over the past four trade deadlines, sending out first-round picks for Thaddeus Young, Poeltl, Kelly Olynyk and Brandon Ingram -- so why not do the same for a true star? It remains to be seen if new GM Bobby Webster will act with the same speed as the departed Masai Ujiri, but Toronto's reported interest in Davis suggests such a deal is possible.

The cleanest way for the Raptors to match Davis' salary is to package Barrett and Poeltl, thereby taking a hit on the wing while improving at the center position. From Dallas' perspective, the former is still just 25 years old and could fit as a nice long-term performer next to Flagg, while the latter is a valuable if expensive big man who would give Dallas another option at center with Dereck Lively II.

Thus the Pacers -- who are "in active trade talks around the league to find a center of the future after losing Myles Turner in free agency," according to Charania -- join the party, swapping a lottery-protected pick for Gafford. The rim-running Gafford could team up with stretch big Jay Huff in a versatile center rotation in Indiana.

Finally, the Mavericks would get the rest of the season to evaluate two recent lottery picks who have taken steps back this season in Walker and Agbaji. It's possible a change of scenery could rejuvenate their careers, and Dallas needs young two-way wings. -- Kram

Marks' analysis: It is probably best to look at this trade in reverse. The unprotected first-round pick is valuable because, even with Davis on the roster, there is no guarantee that Toronto is a top-six seed in the East. Maybe a change of scenery helps Walker, but he has not taken advantage of increased playing time in Indiana this season, while Barrett gives the Mavericks a young wing to play alongside Cooper Flagg. Poeltl's contract is of concern, considering he has five years left, including $27.3, $29.5 and $27.3 million owed over the deal's final three seasons.

I'm fine with that. This year's FRP is the only one I'd be willing to part with since it'll be a mediocre one. If this trade doesn't work out (and it probably won't), it allows us to pivot to a tank or trade for an actual, reliable difference-maker since we'd have all of our future picks.

i don't know if Dallas would do it...i think they would rather get a few young players....
if Detroit is willing to trade for AD, then Jaden Ivey looks like a more attractive asset, same for Coby White and Chicago

[LoveMyRaps]

We're definitely not trading CMB for AD, be for real.

[YogurtProducer]

ESPN put out proposals for a bunch of the rumoured teams including Toronto.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47262180/anthony-davis-trade-guide-five-deals-mavericks-warriors-spurs-pistons-hawks-raptors

Raptors get:

Anthony Davis
Tony Bradley


Mavericks get:

RJ Barrett
Jakob Poeltl
Jarace Walker
Ochai Agbaji
2026 first-round pick (via Raptors)
2027 first-round pick (via Pacers, top-14 protected)


Pacers get:

Daniel Gafford

Toronto has been extremely aggressive over the past four trade deadlines, sending out first-round picks for Thaddeus Young, Poeltl, Kelly Olynyk and Brandon Ingram -- so why not do the same for a true star? It remains to be seen if new GM Bobby Webster will act with the same speed as the departed Masai Ujiri, but Toronto's reported interest in Davis suggests such a deal is possible.

The cleanest way for the Raptors to match Davis' salary is to package Barrett and Poeltl, thereby taking a hit on the wing while improving at the center position. From Dallas' perspective, the former is still just 25 years old and could fit as a nice long-term performer next to Flagg, while the latter is a valuable if expensive big man who would give Dallas another option at center with Dereck Lively II.

Thus the Pacers -- who are "in active trade talks around the league to find a center of the future after losing Myles Turner in free agency," according to Charania -- join the party, swapping a lottery-protected pick for Gafford. The rim-running Gafford could team up with stretch big Jay Huff in a versatile center rotation in Indiana.

Finally, the Mavericks would get the rest of the season to evaluate two recent lottery picks who have taken steps back this season in Walker and Agbaji. It's possible a change of scenery could rejuvenate their careers, and Dallas needs young two-way wings. -- Kram

Marks' analysis: It is probably best to look at this trade in reverse. The unprotected first-round pick is valuable because, even with Davis on the roster, there is no guarantee that Toronto is a top-six seed in the East. Maybe a change of scenery helps Walker, but he has not taken advantage of increased playing time in Indiana this season, while Barrett gives the Mavericks a young wing to play alongside Cooper Flagg. Poeltl's contract is of concern, considering he has five years left, including $27.3, $29.5 and $27.3 million owed over the deal's final three seasons.

I'm fine with that. This year's FRP is the only one I'd be willing to part with since it'll be a mediocre one. If this trade doesn't work out (and it probably won't), it allows us to pivot to a tank or trade for an actual, reliable difference-maker since we'd have all of our future picks.

Yeah this is true. Plus I think in 2 years AD as an expiring would actually have some suitors and you could re-coup 75% of what you gave up.

I mean... **** it? If it absolutely blows up in your face you just trade everyone in 2027 and blow it sky high. Rebuild with whatever picks and prospects you get for IQ / Scottie / AD / Ingram

I wouldn't LOVE doing that deal, but I could live with it as i guess theoretically, if it all goes well, you are a finals team.

[YogurtProducer]

We're definitely not trading CMB for AD, be for real.

CMB is far from untouchable lol

If we did bring in AD, I would say we almost should just double down and move out CMB anyways as he is kind of useless off the bench cause he cant play in a lineup with Barnes and AD. Would rather move him to upgrade our 2 spot if RJ + Ochai went out.

[LoveMyRaps]

So it's down to us and the Hawks?
Just like the Ingram sweepstakes.

[LoveMyRaps]

We're definitely not trading CMB for AD, be for real.

CMB is far from untouchable lol

If we did bring in AD, I would say we almost should just double down and move out CMB anyways as he is kind of useless off the bench cause he cant play in a lineup with Barnes and AD. Would rather move him to upgrade our 2 spot if RJ + Ochai went out.

You're potentially getting AD for one additional year after this season. Do you trade your prized prospect for an extremely injury prone that could opt out and become a free agent next summer?

[Dennis 37]

I feel like any deal including RJ and a FRP is an overpay.....for an injury prone player that isn't even built to play the center position. As soon as he goes down Raptors become a full-on tanking level team.

This is the silver lining in any AD deal, is the ability to pivot to a full on tank for 2026 (assuming we keep this year's pick and AD inevitably gets injured sometime throughout this season). Returning next year with one of Peterson/Dybantsa and Scottie/Ingram/AD is definitely worth the price of a 60+ million AD imo.

I agree. Full on tank is something that we should be considering if we want to win the championship in the near future.

[anotherhomer]

This is the silver lining in any AD deal, is the ability to pivot to a full on tank for 2026 (assuming we keep this year's pick and AD inevitably gets injured sometime throughout this season). Returning next year with one of Peterson/Dybantsa and Scottie/Ingram/AD is definitely worth the price of a 60+ million AD imo.

I agree. Full on tank is something that we should be considering if we want to win the championship in the near future.

bobby and FO cannot afford a full tank this year

[theonlyeastcoastrapsfan]

I have some concerns with length of Poeltls extension and the glut of SG's being factors that limit us both now and in the future, Im kind of believe it when I see it, so I wait and see what Bobby's able to do.

[Psubs]

Just don't trade this year's pick. There is bound to be a good player in the teens and early 20's that has potential like a Jalen Johnson. I think that player is Jacob Wilkins.

[YogurtProducer]

We're definitely not trading CMB for AD, be for real.

CMB is far from untouchable lol

If we did bring in AD, I would say we almost should just double down and move out CMB anyways as he is kind of useless off the bench cause he cant play in a lineup with Barnes and AD. Would rather move him to upgrade our 2 spot if RJ + Ochai went out.

You're potentially getting AD for one additional year after this season. Do you trade your prized prospect for an extremely injury prone that could opt out and become a free agent next summer?

I mean "prized" is a little extreme.

IF you go after AD, you are going full win-now. You don't clutch onto 9th overall picks who plays the same position as Barnes, when you would have a gaping hole at the 2