The Toronto Raptors have hit a skid recently. After working their way back over the .500 mark on February 21st, they have struggled mightily. Toronto has gone 1-7 since then and is currently riding a five-game losing streak. With the NBA Trade Deadline looming, there could be some big changes on the horizon, and Boston Celtics big man Tristan Thompson could be a target.
It could be an end of an era in Toronto, as Kyle Lowry could be on his way out of town with numerous contenders making sense for the veteran point guard. Toronto could also look to add some help, specifically at the center spot.
The Raptors lost Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol in free agency and haven’t been able to fill that hole. Aron Baynes and Chris Boucher have been tasked with doing so but things have not gone as planned.
As a result, Toronto has been linked to some centers. Andre Drummond has been a popular name in rumors, and now Tristan Thompson’s name has popped up.
According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, the Celtics’ starting center could be moved before the March 25th deadline, with the Raptors being named a potential landing spot.
Thompson would help shore up the Raptors in the middle. He is a tremendous rebounder, averaging 8.4 per game this season despite playing only 22.5 minutes. He is also adding 7.9 points and 1.0 assists per game.
With Robert Williams emerging in Boston, Thompson could become expendable at the deadline. Daniel Theis can also play some center, and Boston has been linked to some big men in trade rumors.
Thompson signed a two-year, $19 million deal with the Celtics this past offseason. The second-year on his contract is a player option. Depending on how the salary cap is looking after a COVID impacted season, Thompson’s decision on his option could go down to the wire.
Don’t be surprised if the Raptors are able to swing a trade for a big man ahead of the deadline.
