Raptors Opt for Draft Picks Over Big Trades at Deadline

Toronto makes smaller moves, values future draft capital over acquiring star players

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Toronto Raptors were active at the NBA trade deadline, but they ultimately decided against making any major moves, preferring to hold onto their valuable draft picks rather than trade for star players like Anthony Davis, Jared Jackson Jr., or James Harden. Raptors GM Bobby Webster said the team was in discussions for bigger deals but the price got too high, and they felt their future draft capital was more valuable than acquiring a big-name player at the moment.

Why it matters

The Raptors' reluctance to part with their draft picks signals a focus on building for the long-term future rather than making a big short-term splash. This approach values player development and maintaining flexibility, but it also means the team may miss out on opportunities to acquire top-tier talent that could push them closer to contention in the near future.

The details

The Raptors made two smaller trades, sending Ochai Agbaji to the Brooklyn Nets and acquiring Trayce Jackson-Davis from the Golden State Warriors. However, they passed on opportunities to trade for players like Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks or Sacramento Kings All-Star Domantas Sabonis, despite having seven tradable first-round picks over the next seven years. Raptors GM Bobby Webster said the team was in discussions for bigger deals earlier in the week, but the price ultimately got too high for their liking.

  • The Raptors made the Agbaji trade on Tuesday, February 7th.
  • The Raptors acquired Jackson-Davis from the Warriors on Wednesday, February 8th.
  • The NBA trade deadline passed on Thursday, February 9th.

The players

Bobby Webster

The general manager of the Toronto Raptors who discussed the team's trade deadline strategy.

Anthony Davis

An NBA star player who was traded at the deadline, but not to the Raptors.

Jared Jackson Jr.

An NBA star player who was traded at the deadline, but not to the Raptors.

James Harden

An NBA star player who was traded at the deadline, but not to the Raptors.

Domantas Sabonis

An NBA All-Star center for the Sacramento Kings who the Raptors did not trade for.

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What they’re saying

“By the time we got to Thursday, we did the Agbaji trade Tuesday, we did Jackson-Davis Wednesday, so we have Thursday free so we [could] kind of make some fun calls and see what was out there.”

— Bobby Webster, Raptors General Manager (TSN1050)

“But nothing came close to the deadline. I think there was a couple of things on Monday and Tuesday [that] we felt were bigger deals that maybe put us in a different group, but the price got a little too rich for us.”

— Bobby Webster, Raptors General Manager (TSN1050)

What’s next

The Raptors will look to continue developing their young core through the draft, with prospects like Collin Murray-Boyles, Ja'Kobe Walter, and Gradey Dick potentially available in the upcoming 2023 NBA Draft.

The takeaway

The Raptors' decision to hold onto their draft picks at the trade deadline signals a long-term approach focused on player development and maintaining future flexibility, rather than making a big short-term move to acquire star talent. This strategy values the team's draft process and future potential over immediate contention, but it also means they may miss out on opportunities to significantly improve the roster in the near future.