Does this trade make sense for the Toronto Raptors?

From a cap standpoint, this trade would be extremely difficult for the Raptors to make not only because they are already projected to be over the salary cap in the offseason, but because bringing in Wood’s $14.3 million contract would mean that the rest of their roster would have to be filled out by minimum-like contracts. 

Christian Wood, Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. take up six spots on the roster and still having both Yuta Watanabe and Svi Mykhailiuk, the Raptors would have almost half a roster to fill out with minimum-like players. 

This may not be something that would end up being favorable for them, especially since the Raptors’ bench is the worst in the league statistically in terms of scoring this season. 

On the flip side, adding Christian Wood secures the Raptors’ frontcourt for the 2022-23 season and possibly long-term, as they could look to extend Wood once his contract is up. 

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Ultimately, this seems like too big of a risk for the Raptors to take, even though it would strengthen their core and improve their chances to contend in the playoffs. 

You have to have depth nowadays to get to the postseason and having six high-level guys is not enough for Toronto, especially since injuries have lessened their chances to be successful over the years. 

The cap implications of this trade are a big problem, which is why Toronto should not pursue this trade in the offseason.