Toronto Raptors general manager Bobby Webster announced Friday that the team was pursuing a major trade that never became public at Thursday’s deadline. Webster explained that the franchise overpaid despite exploring ambitious options when they acquired Trayce Jackson-Davis from Golden State.
Webster told The Fan Morning Show that Toronto’s most substantial effort went unreported. The GM emphasized the organization’s reluctance to exceed the market value for available players.
“The one big thing we went after wasn’t even reported,” Webster said.
The Raptors added Jackson-Davis for two second-round picks, Ochai Agbaji and cash. Webster indicated that the team had explored more aggressive moves, but determined that current prices exceeded reasonable thresholds for a rebuilding franchise.
Webster said Thursday that the team explored larger transactions before settling on a conservative approach.
“We had some fun,” Webster said.
The GM ultimately decided not to pursue these more ambitious deals, based on valuation concerns and organizational timelines.
“I think at this point with this group we didn’t want to chase,” Webster said. “We didn’t want to get into a situation where you felt like you were paying too much. We’re still on the upward climb… we’ve had a pretty positive start; the group is coming together. There will come a time where we’ll push through and consolidate and add some choices, but we just felt the prices were a little high for us at this point.”
Multiple sources described the acquisition costs for utility centers Day’Ron Sharpe and Goga Bitadze as unrealistically high. Toronto inquired about both players before moving to the more conservative Jackson-Davis deal.
The franchise remains focused on the return of Jakob Poeltl after a lingering issue. Head coach Darko Rajakovic said Thursday that Poeltl is doing well and could play before the All-Star break.
Webster expressed confidence in the center’s availability despite missing 32 games this season. Poeltl’s three-year, $84 million extension begins in 2027-2028.
“We’ve always been confident that Jak will be available. No one here is six feet tall, so it’s hard to put yourself in his shoes (regarding a back problem) … but we’re excited. Obviously things could change as he gets better here, but we’re confident and we think he’ll be a good addition for us,” said Webster.
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