The Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors are teams that underachieved this NBA season but for different reasons. Golden State struggled with injuries while the Raptors just could not get things going over the course of the year.
Usually these are two of the top teams in the league but that was not the case this year. We could see both front offices be aggressive and hopes of getting back to the top. Each will be worth watching closely in NBA trade rumors throughout the offseason.
Golden State did not have much help to season around Stephen Curry. He led the league in scoring while shooting 42% from three-point range. This was good enough to get Golden State to the play-in portion of the postseason but no further.
Klay Thompson is expected to return next year after missing the previous two seasons with injuries. This is like getting a free agent because of the amount of time he has missed. Golden State has some intriguing trade pieces that they could look to move for a return that fits them better.
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Toronto is just two years removed from the first championship in franchise history but they have taken huge steps back. Kyle Lowry is entering NBA free agency while Fred VanVleet is signed long-term. Masai Ujiri will remain in Toronto and he has his hands full if he wants to rebuild the Raptors into a winner right away.
This is a deal that could help both sides because of their different needs. Let’s take a look at how Golden State and Toronto can get together for a trade this offseason.