Toronto Raptors Receive: G Devonte’ Graham, C Jaxson Hayes, 2023 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP) 

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Fred VanVleet 

On the other hand, many would bristle at the notion that Fred VanVleet is a “traditional point guard”. Simply put, he isn’t. 

In fact, VanVleet is a modern point guard. He typically looks to score first. Still, he’s got more of a playmaking instinct than McCollum. In the modern context, that remains significant. 

Moreover, Hayes may not exactly qualify as a traditional center either. He’s probably more traditional than VanVleet, but the Pelicans actually used him at the 4 in Zion Williamson’s absence a lot last year.

In that role, Hayes demonstrated a surprising ability to handle the ball in the open court. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors & New Orleans Pelicans Updates

Realistically, it’s a positionless league more than anything else. In 2021-22, these two teams made that point as loudly as anyone. Still, neither was a serious title contender – and with better floor balance, either could be. 

Does this deal vault the Raptors into contention?