How This Deal Impacts Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors have the means to make a blockbuster trade should the opportunity arise. While Kevin Durant is likely their No. 1 target, Donovan Mitchell makes for quite a backup option should no deal be reached with the Brooklyn Nets.
Toronto’s all-in offer would be very compelling, but there is no real need for them to go to those lengths. They aren’t desperate to win a championship, having just won in 2019. In addition, the best offers from other teams won’t even compete with this hypothetical deal.
Adding Mitchell to a lineup that has Fred VanVleet in the backcourt with Scottie Barnes Jr. and Pascal Siakam at the forward spots and potentially Precious Achiuwa at center would be a difficult group to handle.
There is still enough defense there even without OG Anunoby to overcome Mitchell’s deficiencies on that end of the court.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Toronto Raptors & Brooklyn Nets Updates
But, the potential is there for Mitchell to be a strong defender. He is measured at only 6’1” tall but has a 6’10” wingspan. He should be able to more than handle himself against either backcourt position and some wings.
The Raptors love players with length and Mitchell fits that bill. He is the same age as Anunoby and only two years older than Gary Trent Jr., so Toronto isn’t losing much from a timeline standpoint. Their ceiling is also higher with Mitchell in the lineup as Anunoby and Trent have not reached that All-Star level yet in their careers.
