Throughout franchise history, the Toronto Raptors have consistently been involved in trades that have had a significant impact on basketball betting odds at the BetMGM online sportsbook.
8 Greatest Trades in Raptors History
1. DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and First-Round Pick for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green
Kawhi Leonard spent just one season in Toronto, but he made it count, as he helped the franchise win its first championship in 2019 before departing for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Toronto had to sacrifice DeMar DeRozan in the deal with the San Antonio Spurs in 2018, as Raptors fans were initially disappointed with the trade.
Leonard averaged over 30 points per game during that championship run while providing elite defence, earning Finals MVP.
2. Vince Carter for Alonzo Mourning, Eric Williams, Aaron Williams, and Two First-Round Picks
Vince Carter’s time in Toronto wore thin as the Raptors were forced to trade their franchise superstar after he rightfully sought greener pastures. They landed on the New Jersey Nets in December 2004.
Vinsanity was an electrifying dunker and lethal all-around scorer, which helped give the Raptors worldwide attention and put basketball on the map in Canada, inspiring kids all over the nation to pick up a basketball.
Toronto could’ve accomplished a whole lot more if they provided a winning roster around Carter.
3. Gary Forbes and First-Round Pick for Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry proved to be the floor general and culture setter the Raptors needed to win their first championship, as he helped lift Toronto out of the Eastern Conference basement and into regular playoff contention following his 2012 trade from the Houston Rockets.
His grittiness on both ends of the floor and high basketball IQ made him a perennial All-Star and fan favourite in Toronto.
4. Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, Two First-Round Picks, Two Second-Round Picks, and a First-Round Pick Swap for Kawhi Leonard
The Raptors agreed a deal to re-acquire Leonard in the 2026 offseason, but the Kawhi trade is in limbo during the NBA’s investigation into salary cap circumvention during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers.
After it became clear the Clippers weren’t willing to offer the two-time Finals MVP a contract extension, Toronto became Leonard’s preferred destination. The Raptors had initially been hesitant about including a second first-round pick, but they took the leap with two firsts, two seconds, and a swap.
5. Andrea Bargnani for Marcus Camby, Steve Novak, Quentin Richardson, First-Round Pick and Two Second-Round Picks
Andrea Bargnani was traded to the New York Knicks in 2013 after failing to live up to expectations as the No. 1 pick in the 2006 NBA Draft.
This allowed the Raptors to get out of a bad contract, build around Lowry and DeRozan, and draft Jakob Poeltl, who was later used to acquire Leonard.
6. Jonas Valančiūnas, Delon Wright, CJ Miles, and Second-Round Pick for Marc Gasol
Marc Gasol helped make the Raptors’ interior defence even stronger alongside Serge Ibaka and Pascal Siakam, as the former Defensive Player of the Year neutralized Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2019 playoffs after being acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies in February 2019.
Gasol’s 3-point shooting and playmaking skills also gave Leonard more room to operate.
7. OG Anunoby, Malachi Flynn, and Precious Achiuwa for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Second-Round Pick
OG Anunoby was a key two-way forward for many years, but the Raptors got themselves RJ Barrett in this trade with the New York Knicks in December 2023.
Barrett has shined in his hometown of Toronto, finding considerable success attacking the rim and setting his teammates up for success with his playmaking skills.
8. Pascal Siakam, Second-Round Pick for Bruce Brown, Kira Lewis, Jordan Nwora, Three First-Round Picks
The Raptors parted with a key part of their championship run in a January 2024 trade with the Indiana Pacers.
Siakam’s well-rounded style of play and the fire and determination he played with made him an incredible asset on both ends of the floor.
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