3. Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors underwent some drastic changes this past offseason. The most decorated player in franchise history, Kyle Lowry, ended up with the Miami Heat via a sign-and-trade. But, the team’s goal remained the same; to win.
They have been one of the bigger surprises thus far this season as they are 6-6 despite not having Pascal Siakam for 10 of those games. With him back in the lineup, they could start playing even better.
They are currently riding a three-game losing streak, so hopefully getting Siakam back in the fold will help slow that down. The center position is another one the team should be keeping an eye on, making them a logical landing spot for Jusuf Nurkic.
Nurkic could slide right into the starting five, giving the team some much-needed size in the frontcourt. Precious Achiuwa, who is more of a power forward, has been starting in the middle a majority of the season thus far.
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Backing him up are Khem Birch and Chris Boucher. Jusuf Nurkic is an impending free agent, so Toronto would be getting a chance to see how he fits in with the team. If things jell, he could re-up with the team in the offseason. If not, no harm is done and he can walk as a free agent.
The Toronto Raptors and Portland Trail Blazers made a trade at the deadline, so they have some experience working with each other to make a deal.
