De'Aaron Fox targeted by Raptors in blockbuster Kyrie Irving trade proposal

De'Aaron Fox would land in Toronto under proposed three-team trade

De'Aaron Fox is at the center of a blockbuster trade proposal that would send him to the Toronto Raptors as part of a multi-team blockbuster involving Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. The Raptors are eyeing a roster overhaul after reaching the first round of the 2026 playoffs, falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games.

What happened in the trade proposal

The proposed deal involves three teams: the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, and Dallas Mavericks. Under the framework, the Spurs would receive Kyrie Irving and Caleb Martin from Dallas. Toronto would land Fox from San Antonio and Klay Thompson from Dallas. The Mavericks would get Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Jakob Poeltl from Toronto, plus first-round picks in 2029 and 2030 and second-round picks in 2028 and 2030.

The Raptors would need to clear significant cap space to absorb Fox’s $49.5 million cap hit for 2026-27. His four-year, $229 million contract signed last summer makes the move cap-heavy, so Toronto would rely on outgoing salaries like Quickley’s $32.5 million to help balance the books.

Why it matters for De'Aaron Fox

Fox would bring secondary scoring and playmaking to Toronto, complementing Scottie Barnes, who made his second All-Star team and first All-Defensive Team in 2025-26. The addition would give the Raptors a dynamic backcourt alongside Thompson, a veteran shooter still productive in his mid-30s despite not matching his Warriors peak.

The trade hinges on Dallas’s stance on Irving. The Mavericks are reportedly holding firm on their star guard, making the availability of both Irving and Thompson key variables in the proposal’s viability.

What comes next for Toronto and Fox

If executed, the trade would signal a fresh direction for Toronto under Barnes, moving past a first-round exit in 2026. The Raptors fought hard against Cleveland but lacked playoff experience and leaned too heavily on Ingram, whose poor playoff showing raised questions about his fit in a deeper postseason run.

Fox’s arrival would inject championship-level speed and scoring, while Thompson adds floor-spacing and veteran savvy. The Raptors’ front office is prioritizing a rebuild that builds on their 2025-26 postseason berth, even as Kawhi Leonard reunion talks have taken a backseat for now.