Does this trade make sense for the Toronto Raptors?
Adding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to their roster would be a huge move for the Toronto Raptors and definitely be a beneficial one. Nobody really knows what to expect from the Raptors right now because they do not really have a set plan in motion, but getting younger should definitely be a goal of theirs.
In fact, they already have a fairly young core with Chris Boucher (28), Fred VanVleet (27), Pascal Siakam (27) and Malachi Flynn (23), so adding a soon-to-be 23-year-old guard like SGA would definitely fit their mold moving forward. Not to mention, the Raptors will likely look to re-sign Gary Trent Jr., who is 22-years-old.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is definitely a guy the Raptors should have their eyes on because of how versatile he is at the guard position. He can play with or without the ball in his hands and next to Fred VanVleet, the Raptors would have everything they need in terms of having a championship-contending backcourt.
OG Anunoby has been a great role player in the Raptors system, but he is never going to be the scoring threat that Gilgeous-Alexander is. Defensively, Anunoby is great and gives the Raptors a ton of help at various positions, but they do have guys like DeAndre’ Bembry, Yuta Watanabe and Paul Watson who can all split time at the small-forward position until Toronto adds another weapon to their roster at that position.
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Investing in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is definitely a move that makes sense for Toronto not only because of Lowry being a free agent, but because they desperately need someone that can be an “it” factor for them. They could potentially draft a prospect 4th overall with this kind of grit to him, but Gilgeous-Alexander is already an established, polished player who is on the verge of having a breakout season.
Taking the chance on this trade and acquiring him offers a much better, immediate upside than both Anunoby and the 4th overall pick do, which is why this is a move that is worthwhile for the Toronto Raptors.
