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What the Toronto Raptors could give up in a potential trade for Anthony Davis

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Luca Rosano | Last updated Dec 9, 2025 7:01 PM ET

Anthony Davis could be on the move ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

According to a report by Shams Charania, the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors are expected to be suitors for Dallas Mavericks‘ star Anthony Davis.

The Mavericks are reportedly not ruling out an extension with Davis, but are keeping their options open as they gauge the team’s play over the next few weeks.

The Eastern Conference is wide open this season so the teams with suspected interest could look to make an all-in move for Davis if he does become available.

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What could a Toronto Raptors deal for Anthony Davis look like?

The Raptors do have several big contracts that can easily be sent back to the Mavericks to match AD’s salary.

The Raptors could include Immanuel Quickley or RJ Barrett along with Jakob Poeltl and draft compensation. There would need to be some added filler to make the salary match, but this is what the framework of the deal could look like.

Are the Toronto Raptors the biggest dark horse in the East?

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Considering the Mavericks have Ryan Nembhard as a promising young point guard for their future, they would likely want Barrett back, who has been a big piece of the Raptors’ offense.

The Raptors could put forth a competitive package for Davis if they seriously want to go for it in the East this season.

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Should the Toronto Raptors trade for Anthony Davis?

The Raptors would have a big frontcourt with Davis, Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram.

The defensive pairing with Davis and Barnes would be spectacular, but the spacing could be an issue.

Ingram and Davis are both mid-range players and even though Barnes’ three-point shooting has improved this season, he is best when he attacks downhill.

Should the Toronto Raptors trade for Anthony Davis?

A Raptors frontcourt of Scottie Barnes and Anthony Davis would arguably be the best defensive tandem in the NBA.

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The other issue when it comes to a Raptors trade for Davis, would be financially. Davis’ salary is only going to grow and adding it to an already expensive roster could be a move that sets the Raptors back, if this move doesn’t pan out.

Of course the last thing to consider here is Davis’ health, which is a huge risk for any team trying to trade for him. For as good as he is, Davis has constantly had injury setbacks.

The Raptors have overachieved so far this season and sit in 4th place in the East after many people had them in the play-in picture. The Raptors don’t need to make an aggressive push here, but they are no strangers when it comes to pulling off a big move.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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