Bobby Webster has full autonomy and faces no organizational pressure to make a significant trade at his first NBA deadline as Toronto Raptors general manager, sources within MLSE told TSN. However, the organization’s decision to decline elevating him to the president’s role has created a make-or-break season for Webster and several others in the front office.
Webster inherited the primary decision-making role from longtime boss Masai Ujiri over the summer. The Raptors’ surprising 27-19 start has positioned the team ahead of schedule in its rebuilding process, creating multiple strategic options with the February 5 deadline approaching.
Sources within MLSE insist Webster has full autonomy and is under no pressure to take a big swing in his first at-bat. But in declining to elevate him to the president’s role and dangling the title over his head, this was always going to be a make-or-break season for Toronto’s GM as well as several others on his staff and in the organization.
TSN confirmed Toronto appears willing to part with some combination of Immanuel Quickley, Jakob Poeltl and RJ Barrett in trade discussions. Rival teams have gleaned that impression from exploratory conversations, though the Raptors face significant obstacles executing a major deal.
The front office has explored potential trades for elite players including Anthony Davis and Domantas Sabonis. According to sources, Toronto held internal discussions about acquiring Davis, who turns 33 in March and carries an extensive injury history. However, most interest appears driven by agent Rich Paul attempting to move his client from the Dallas Mavericks.
Webster’s hands are tied by financial constraints created by above-market contracts. Quickley signed a five-year, $175 million extension that has aged poorly amid injuries and inconsistency. Poeltl has logged just seven minutes over the past 19 games due to a nagging back issue.
Most clubs Toronto has contacted aren’t incentivized to absorb long-term salary without receiving premium picks and prospects. Outside of Scottie Barnes and rookie standout Collin Murray-Boyles, the Raptors lack untouchable assets to sweeten potential deals.
The likely scenario involves playing it safe by using Ochai Agbaji’s expiring contract and draft compensation to avoid the luxury tax while adding depth. Toronto has checked in on Dallas center Daniel Gafford, per a source, while Orlando’s Goga Bitadze and Brooklyn’s Day’Ron Sharpe are other names to monitor.