- The Toronto Raptors acquired Kawhi Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs in 2018.
- Vince Carter was traded to the New Jersey Nets in December 2004.
- Toronto traded for Kyle Lowry from the Houston Rockets in 2012.
The Toronto Raptors have made many big moves to give them better chances of winning games, thus improving their championship basketball odds at a sportsbook.
One in particular helped them completely make good on their short NBA championship odds in 2019.
With that said, what are the seven biggest trades in Toronto Raptors history? Let’s find out.
7 Biggest Toronto Raptors Trades in Team 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 due to him rightfully seeking greener pastures, landing 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 bring Toronto out of the basement of the Eastern Conference to a team regularly competing in the playoffs following his trade from the Houston Rockets in 2012.
His grittiness on both ends of the floor and high basketball IQ made him a perennial All-Star and fan favourite in Toronto.
4. 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.
5. Jonas Valančiūnas, Delon Wright, CJ Miles, and Second-Round Pick for Marc Gasol
Marc Gasol helped make the Raptors’ interior defence even stronger next to Serge Ibaka and Pascal Siakam, as the former Defensive Player of the Year helped neutralize 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 this trade with the Indiana Pacers in January 2024.
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.
