How This Trade Impacts Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors were one of the most surprising teams in the league during the 2021-22 season as they earned the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, just staying clear of the NBA Play-In Tournament. A lot of people thought that the Raptors would be heading into the lottery again, but they had other plans.

If the Raptors fall in love with a prospect, such as Dyson Daniels as in the mock draft at Bleacher Report, they will have to make a trade up the draft board, such as this one with the Portland Trail Blazers. The teams make for a good match to complete a trade.

Toronto looks to have hit a home run with their 2021 first-round pick in Scottie Barnes. Adding another lanky player with elite two-way potential in Daniels would fit into the scheme that Nick Nurse is deploying perfectly. They can be the key initiators of the offense while providing stifling, switchable defense.

If the Raptors no longer believe that Anunoby can reach his ceiling, this is a smart deal to make. They can get another young player with upside onto the roster, resetting the salary at the same time with another rookie contract.

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Eric Bledsoe’s contract is not guaranteed for the 2022-23 season, either. The Raptors would have until July 10th to make a decision, as they could open up a lot of money with only $3.9 million of his $19.3 million contract guaranteed right now.

Saving money and landing a lottery pick? That sounds like a win for the Toronto Raptors, even if it costs Anunoby.