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The Toronto Raptors entered 2025’s offseason with a clear identity and limited wiggle room. As such, they chose prudence over flashy splashes. Central to their quiet summer was the unwavering commitment to Jakob Poeltl. He's a player the organization evidently cherishes deeply. Despite Poeltl not even being eligible for free agency until 2027, Toronto rewarded its starting center with a hefty three-year, $84.5 million extension. They locked him in through the 2029-30 season with a final-year salary north of $30 million. The move raised eyebrows given Poeltl’s production often ranks around 15th among NBA centers. That suggests a possible overpay driven more by loyalty than necessity.
2025 Offseason
Beyond Poeltl’s extension, the Raptors’ offseason was reserved. Collin Murray-Boyles, their No. 9 draft pick, joined the fold as a promising young piece. Meanwhile, the organization said a notable goodbye to Masai Ujiri, the team president whose savvy moves shaped Toronto’s modern era. General Manager Bobby Webster now assumes top decision-making authority. He is charged with balancing progress and patience.
With a roster brimming with young talent like Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and fresh picks in Alijah Martin and Sandro Mamukelashvili, the Raptors seem positioned to make a playoff push. Of course, what the front office truly wants, whether it's a playoff berth or title contention, is less clear. Their stockpile of draft picks and tradable players sets the stage for bold maneuvers. So far, though, discretion has dictated their path this summer.
Here we will look at and discuss the perfect move that the Toronto Raptors must still make in the 2025 NBA offseason.
The Perfect Pursuit: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Sure, Ujiri’s departure introduced questions about Toronto’s front office direction. However, one pursuit should remain front and center: a full-court chase for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Realistically, the Milwaukee Bucks won’t part ways with their former MVP this season. That's especially true after their shock move to waive Damian Lillard to clear cap space for Myles Turner. Still, the Raptors must position themselves as the prime suitor if Giannis ever hits the market. Toronto arguably holds one of the NBA’s most enticing packages of assets to lure the Greek Freak away from the Bucks.
The Raptors possess a dynamic blend of established prime contributors, burgeoning young stars, and wealth in draft capital. Ingram or Barnes could serve as key centerpiece trade pieces, balanced by either Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick, or future draft picks on the fringe. Supplementing these assets with promising talents like Ochai Agbaji, Murray-Boyles, or Ja’Kobe Walter sweetens the pot without sacrificing future flexibility.
Such a blockbuster trade would inevitably transform the Raptors into immediate contenders. True, Cleveland-style roster gutting would be a strategic misstep. That said, the franchise’s current trajectory demands a move of this magnitude to vault into title conversations. To settle for anything less risks stagnation in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference. Toronto’s accumulated assets give them the leverage and responsibility to strike big. Patience is required, but when the moment arrives, the Raptors must go all in on Giannis.
Why This Move Makes Sense
Locking in Poeltl offers a steady presence and defensive anchor in the paint. However, the Raptors have made clear their plans extend beyond incremental improvement. They need a transformational player who elevates their ceiling significantly. Giannis, with his relentless drive, defensive prowess, and MVP pedigree, fits that bill perfectly.
Toronto’s young core is talented but unproven at the highest levels of playoff pressure. Giannis provides an immediate star boost and a legitimate “alpha” on the floor. That's something the Raptors have lacked since Kyle Lowry’s prime and Kawhi Leonard left. Giannis's ability to attack the rim, defend multiple positions, and command defensive attention opens vast offensive opportunities for Barnes, Ingram, or Barrett, whose own games stand to grow alongside him.
Furthermore, the Raptors’ top-heavy payroll commitments leave limited room to chase multiple large contracts. Acquiring one transcendent talent like Giannis is far more practical than assembling a patchwork of mid-tier stars. The Greek Freak’s career arc suggests several peak years remain. That makes it a timely investment for a team striving to break through.
The Long Game: Balancing Patience and Ambition
Toronto’s cautious offseason might seem uneventful on the surface. However, it’s the prelude to what could become a franchise-defining moment. The team’s current roster and draft capital create a tantalizing platform for a blockbuster. The key is letting the market unfold while retaining maximum leverage to either create or stringently demand a trade package befitting Giannis.
Bobby Webster now carries the torch, needing to blend reason with boldness in a post-Ujiri front office. The Raptors’ future depends on decisions made in the shadows this summer: resisting temptation for half-measures and focusing all energy on luring a player who can flip the standings and ignite championship expectations.
If Toronto truly craves a leap from competent playoff team to title contender, any move short of acquiring Giannis is merely treading water. That calculus will define the franchise’s next era.
