Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal

Charting a course for the Toronto Raptors is a little difficult. In some respects, they’re operating on two different timelines.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Raptors have plenty of young talent and veteran leadership. Arguably, they should be the envy of much of the rest of the NBA. On the other hand, some might argue that they ought to pick a side.

After all, this team doesn’t look seriously primed to compete for the title in 2022-23. Meanwhile, if they don’t stockpile some future-focused assets now, this core could age before they put themselves in the right position to build around Barnes.

This deal settles those concerns. The Raptors are receiving three first-round picks and two swaps for Pascal Siakam here. Furthermore, Josh Green fits a rebuilding timeline at 21. The Raptors won’t bottom out following this trade, and with a franchise player in Barnes, they don’t need to.

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Instead, they simply get younger and more flexible. This draft capital could come in handy when Barnes enters his prime – it could allow the Toronto Raptors to trade for another co-star in theirs.