The Toronto Raptors are a franchise that a lot of eyes will be in the coming weeks as the NBA trade deadline nears. They have failed to make up ground in the Eastern Conference standings in recent weeks, which has led to speculation that some big moves could be in store ahead of the trade deadline on February 9th.
There is a lot of talent on the Raptors’ roster, but they are lacking that bonafide go-to star. That is likely why they checked in on the likes of Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell this offseason to fix that. Alas, no deal was made and now they come to a crossroads about their future.
Do they look to bolster the roster and make a run for the playoffs this season? That could push them toward luxury tax territory as multiple key rotation players can become free agents this summer.
If the front office decides that it is time to shake things up and rebuild the roster, there won’t be a lack of interest in their players. Toronto would throw the trade market for a loop making Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., Pascal Siakam, or OG Anunoby available in a trade. As per Bruce Arthur of TheStar.com, the Raptors already have a huge offer on the table in exchange for Anunoby.
You want to move one core piece? You have four available, and the differences in potential return between Gary Trent Jr., VanVleet, Anunoby and Pascal Siakam range from minor upgrades to a bejeweled haul. You want to become Oklahoma City, with draft picks in bunches? At least one team has previously offered three first-round picks for Anunoby, and Siakam is worth more. Trading both would be a near-total reset around Scottie Barnes.
It was previously reported that Trent was the likeliest of the Raptors’ core players that would be traded. But, given the opt-out in his contract, it can be argued that he would bring back the least amount of assets in a trade package.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby & Toronto Raptors Updates
Anunoby is on the opposite side of that spectrum, as a trade package including three first-round picks is nothing to scoff at. Depending on the protections placed on them, that would make him as valuable on the trade market as Dejounte Murray was for the San Antonio Spurs when they traded him to the Atlanta Hawks.
The Indiana product is having a breakout season as a two-way star and Defensive Player of the Year candidate, remaining healthy and improving his efficiency again. He fits the prototype of what franchises are looking for as a wing to build their roster around, so it makes sense that the asking price would be astronomically high for him.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby & Toronto Raptors Updates
If Toronto wants to go down the tear-down rebuild route, the opportunity to do so has presented itself. If they are unable to climb back into at least a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament in the next week or so ahead of the deadline, it increases the chances of some big moves occurring north of the border.
