NBA Rumors: Raptors, Immanuel Quickley, Lakers, Bucks, Timberwolves

Raptors

Toronto has been doing its homework. Sources tell ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst that the Raptors have quietly gauged the trade value of multiple core pieces, including Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett.

The thinking is fairly straightforward. While many teams around the league are hesitant to absorb long-term money for big-name targets such as Ja Morant, Domantas Sabonis, or Anthony Davis, Toronto is better positioned than most to do so.

That’s because any Raptors offer would likely include multiyear contracts of their own, such as Quickley, Barrett, and possibly Jakob Poeltl.

That flexibility comes with a cost. Without large expiring deals to grease the wheels, league executives believe Toronto would need to attach draft compensation to make a serious push.

Lakers

The Lakers are casting a wide but careful net. ESPN’s sources say the focus remains perimeter defense and rim protection, with an eye toward value plays rather than splashy moves.

One Western Conference GM summed it up succinctly — saying that the Lakers may find a bargain if they’re willing to take on long-term money, but only if that player fits cleanly next to Luka Doncic. That caveat matters. Los Angeles is not in the business of collecting contracts that complicate the next phase.

Bucks

Around the league, there’s an expectation that the Bucks will do something. Interest has been expressed across “basically any position,” per ESPN, and rival executives see Milwaukee as a serious buyer.

“They still have a first-round pick they can trade, and they’re about $14 million under the luxury tax,” one Eastern Conference exec said. “I’ve seen teams make chicken salad with less.”

Timberwolves

Minnesota’s situation is trickier. Executives believe the Timberwolves want backcourt help while also trimming payroll, as they’re staring at a hefty tax bill for the second straight season.

The problem is obvious. Any meaningful upgrade likely requires surrendering a rotation player, and that’s a tough pill for a team trying to thread the needle between contention and cost control.