With free agency approaching, the Toronto Raptors are reportedly positioning themselves to make a significant splash, and Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has emerged as a prime target.

According to ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, the Raptors are “starting to make noise within the league about looking for a big fish” this offseason. After adding Brandon Ingram at the trade deadline and extending his contract, Toronto is clearly intent on accelerating its rebuild and contending sooner rather than later.

Windhorst noted that the Raptors are among a handful of Eastern Conference teams sniffing an opportunity to shake up the landscape, especially as some top contenders face uncertainty due to injuries and roster changes.

The Raptors’ front office has a track record of landing marquee players, most notably Kawhi Leonard in 2018, which propelled Toronto to its first NBA championship. Now, with a young core featuring Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and promising talents like Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji, the Raptors have the assets and flexibility to pursue a superstar without dismantling their foundation.

Mutual interest between Raptors and Giannis

Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP and nine-time All-Star, reportedly is “open-minded” about exploring a trade for the first time in his career. Following Milwaukee’s early playoff exit in 2025 and injury setbacks, Giannis’ future with the Bucks appears uncertain.

Toronto Star reporter Doug Smith revealed there is “mutual interest” between Giannis and the Raptors, suggesting that Toronto could be near the top of his preferred destinations if a trade materializes. Smith emphasized that the Raptors are uniquely positioned to make an attractive offer without gutting their roster or compromising their long-term plans. 

Giannis’ 2024-25 season was dominant, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game while shooting over 60% from the field. Adding a player of his caliber would instantly elevate the Raptors into championship contention and reshape the Eastern Conference's power balance.

What this means for the Raptors’ future

If successful, the move could reunite the Raptors with a former Finals MVP-caliber talent and position them as a legitimate title contender alongside the league’s elite. However, the challenges remain substantial, including negotiating with the Bucks and balancing roster construction.

As the 2025 offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Toronto to see if they can acquire this major trade and usher in a new era of Toronto Raptors’ basketball.