Trade Deadline for Toronto Raptors in NBA Early Predictions: 5 Key Moves Including Trades for Seasoned Players
With only 14 victories in their first 35 games, the Raptors have had a rough start. Their attempts to make personnel adjustments are not surprising given that they have not yet established chemistry and played consistent basketball on both ends. In their last 10 games, Toronto has suffered 6 losses.
The Raptors made their initial move a few days ago, trading OG Anunoby to the Knicks in exchange for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.ย With that in mind, we take a look at five moves the Raptors could make ahead of the trade deadline.
Trade Deadline for Toronto Raptors in NBA Early Predictions: 5 Key Moves Including Trades for Seasoned Players
#5 – Moving forward from Thaddeus Young
Thaddeus Young hasn’t seen much playing time this season (4.4 mpg), so moving on from him appears to be a reasonable option for the Raptors, especially in a possible Pascal Siakam trade. Toronto would pursue a draft selection or compensation in exchange for Young.
#4 – Trading Gary Trent Jr.
The Toronto Raptors could seek selling older players in an attempt to build around Scottie Barnes (the lone untouchable player in the squad) and rookies Quickley and Barrett.
Thus, tradingย Gary Trent Jr., who may be a terrific asset for teams in quest of perimeter shooting, could make sense for the Toronto Raptors. Dennis Schroder is anticipated to stay as he might be a game changer coming off the bench as the backup point guard.
#3 – Bringing in young players
Several players are likely to be available at theย NBAย trade deadline, and the Toronto Raptors will try to be active only for young players. Like we said, the franchise is eager to split ways with its experienced players, so bringing in new guys should be the case for Toronto.
#2 – Pursuing Dejounte Murray
Dejounte Murray is anticipated to become available for a trade by the Atlanta Hawks and could look like the perfect option for the Toronto Raptors. An All-Star player who can play terrific on both ends, Murray would fit perfectly alongside Quickley, Barrett and Barnes.ย It is unknown what the asking price would be from Atlanta, but we shouldn’t rule out a Siakam-Murray deal.
#1 – Trading Pascal Siakam
The Toronto Raptors have reportedly opted to move on fromย Pascal Siakam, the last player from the 2019 club that won the title. Siakam is on an expiring contract, and the two parties have yet to agree to a new deal.
Thus, trading him is the lone alternative the Raptors have, else he would hit free agency in the summer. Toronto’s asking price should be in the base of a couple of players plus draft selections, in a similar trade to the one that brought Anunoby to the Knicks.