NBA Trade Rumors: Raptors Viewed As Wild-Card Team Ahead Of Deadline

The Raptors are sitting pretty in a prime position to capitalize on being a third team in a multi-team trade, and that could be the key to flipping the script on their rebuild — or even pushing for an NBA playoff spot this season.

Let’s break down why Toronto’s financial flexibility and trade assets make it a team to watch.

First off, the money. The Raptors are $10 million below the luxury tax and have a hefty $12.8 million trade exception at their disposal.

What does this mean? They can absorb salary from other teams and still keep their books clean for next season.

With a $12.8M exception, Toronto could help facilitate deals while taking on contracts that stretch beyond this season, setting themselves up as a potential trade hub.

If things don’t go their way, though, they could flip a guy like Bruce Brown, who hasn’t played this season due to injury but carries a $23M expiring deal. Brown might not be the centerpiece of any future plan, but he can be a crucial salary-matching tool for teams looking to clear cap space.

On the other hand, Jakob Poeltl could be a name to watch. He’s having a career season, playing well above his $19.5M salary, and he’s on a deal through 2027. But Poeltl might not fit into the Raptors’ long-term rebuild — so, expect his name to pop up in discussions. His value is clear, and if Toronto’s looking to make a move, he’s a good trade chip.

Who’s off the table? Well, let’s be clear: Immanuel Quickley is off-limits for now due to signing restrictions, as is Scottie Barnes, who carries a monster poison pill contract. Yes, Barnes can still be traded, but with his incoming salary hitting $37.2M and outgoing at just $10.1M, making any deal work would be a headache.

Let’s talk trade assets. Beyond Poeltl and Brown, Kelly Olynyk is another name with solid value. His $12.8M expiring contract is an attractive piece for any contender looking to balance their books for the future.

Meanwhile, Chris Boucher ($10.8M) and Davion Mitchell ($6.5M) will both be free agents in July, making them flexible options for teams looking to retool without committing long-term money.

And then, there’s the youth. Ochai Agbaji, Gradey Dick, Ja’Kobe Walter, and others make up the Raptors’ stockpile of controllable, affordable contracts. For an NBA team looking to get younger while maintaining flexibility, the Raptors could be the team to help facilitate a deal that adds future talent.

But what about Toronto’s draft capital? They’ve got their own first-round picks locked in for the next seven years and some intriguing picks from the Indiana Pacers (2026).

Add in seven second-round picks, and Toronto has the ammo to sweeten the pot in any deal.

Toronto’s hard-capped at the first apron, which does limit their wiggle room in some respects, but they still have flexibility under the tax line.

They’ve got assets, they’ve got flexibility, and they’ve got a situation where they can comfortably play the role of trade facilitator — if they choose.

In short: Toronto could be the wild card in the coming weeks. The Raptors are in a position to be more than just bystanders — they’ve got the pieces and flexibility to make a big splash in any multi-team trade, whether that’s by taking on salary, facilitating a deal, or flipping assets like Poeltl or Brown for future gains.

It’s all about the opportunity — and Toronto is in a perfect position to take advantage of it.