The Toronto Raptors continue to be one of the more underrated teams in the NBA but still sit with a .500 record as the trade deadline nears. It’s clear there’s a room for the team to make some upgrades on the roster in order to take another leap forward.
Fred VanVleet is playing like an All-Star, Scottie Barnes has thrived right out of the gate, and OG Anunoby continues to impress. However, the abysmal lack of production the Raptors routinely receive from the center position is something that truly sticks out often when watching them play.
It’s clear that Precious Achiuwa is a liability on both ends of the floor and the overall production of the team would rise by making an upgrade. He doesn’t bring value defensively and he isn’t a floor spacing threat.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, the Toronto Raptors have been ‘circling centers’ as trade targets for a while. One possibility that was discussed was a trade with the Indiana Pacers involving Pascal Siakam for Domantas Sabonis but the negotiations have ‘stalled’ as of late.
Toronto has been circling centers for some time. There were discussions regarding a Sabonis-Pascal Siakam swap, but those negotiations stalled, sources said.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Insider Details What It Would Take For Pacers To Trade Sabonis
There’s a lot to like about the long-term potential of Scottie Barnes with the Toronto Raptors, as well as the continued growth of OG Anunoby. Moving on from Pascal Siakam would not be an easy choice, but if it could net a severe upgrade at the five spot, it’s worth consideration.
The main limitations that come with Domantas Sabonis is his general lack of defensive impact and is inconsistent jump shooting results. Playing alongside highly versatile wings like Scottie Barnes and OG Anunoby could help to overcompensate for those defensive deficiencies while utilizing his presence in DHOs, ball screens, and post-ups.
As for the Pacers, managing to receive a more versatile frontcourt option to pair with Myles Turner would be one way the team could rebrand themselves. They would keep the elite rim protection and stretch skill-set that Turner brings while having a more cohesive option that can provide more defensive value next to to him.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Insider Details What It Would Take For Pacers To Trade Sabonis
The Indiana Pacers would still have to determine what they ultimately want to do out on the perimeter between Malcolm Brogdon, Caris LeVert, Chris Duarte, and, of course, T.J. Warren, who has yet to appear in a single game during the 2021-22 NBA season.
