Why This Trade Makes Sense For The Toronto Raptors
For years now, Toronto has been a legit title contender in the Eastern Conference and while Kyle Lowry has been at the forefront of their success, he does not have many years left in his career. For an organization that has championship aspirations for many years to come, it is hard to see where Lowry fits into this conversation as he does not provide them with much of a future on his part.
With him coming off six straight seasons of being named an NBA All-Star, Lowry’s value on the trade market will never be higher, especially given his age. The Knicks seem like one of the only teams who would be willing to pay Lowry, who is turning 35 years old this year, $20M+ per year and by trading him to New York, the Toronto Raptors could make out pretty well in this trade.
With Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol gone, the Raptors really need to figure out their frontcourt situation quickly, which is why Julius Randle could be a terrific addition. After having one of the best seasons of his career last season with the Knicks, Randle is having one of the best seasons out of everyone in the league this year and is on track to make his first NBA All-Star appearance.
His versatility makes him a very intriguing frontcourt option as he can not only rebound and score in the low-post, but he can also expand his game on the perimeter and be an active facilitator for his team. Julius Randle currently leads the Knicks in assists per game and by a pretty wide margin.
With no reliable options in the frontcourt besides Pascal Siakam, the Raptors need to address this situation or they will not be able to win 50+ games for the sixth consecutive season. With Kyle Lowry gone, rookie Malachi Flynn, Norman Powell and Dennis Smith Jr. could step up and fill the minutes Lowry leaves behind perfectly.
Not to mention, Julius Randle is also under contract next season, so the Raptors would not have to be worried about retaining him in the offseason and could potentially work on a long-term extension throughout next season.
Not only would this trade help them now in their pursuit for more championships, but in the future as well since Pascal Siakam and Julius Randle are only 26-years old. The New York Knicks have the young assets and even the draft picks to be able to put together a really strong trade package for Lowry and it is definitely something for the Toronto Raptors to consider, especially if they continue to struggle moving forward.
