Ladies and gentlemen, it’s official. The Toronto Raptors have parted ways with Nick Nurse. We saw this coming. There was too much smoke around the NBA regarding these rumors for them not to be accompanied by fire.
In fact, the Raptors have been subject to rumors for a long time. This team was widely expected to blow up its core at the trade deadline. They did not – but now, some have suggested that they could do so this summer.
They may not. The Raptors have a lot of talent. This team doesn’t necessarily need to do anything drastic. With that said, for the right price, they may be inclined to. Here are three deals we could see them making this summer.
Raptors Land Jaylen Brown
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Jaylen Brown
Boston Celtics Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
In speaking of rumors, it’s been widely suggested that Jaylen Brown may be angling for a way out of the Boston Celtics. Recently, he made some comments that suggested that he may not be happy in the city of Boston. If that’s true, don’t be surprised if he requests a trade this summer.
If Brown fails to make an All-NBA team, the Celtics won’t be able to offer him a supermax. In that event, he may hit the open market due to the CBA limiting the size of an extension offer that can be offered to him. It would be financial malpractice for him to sign a deal of that kind, whether he wants to stay or not.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics & Toronto Raptors Updates
Why not flip him for Siakam? This deal allows the Celtics to continue contending. As for the Raptors, they’re getting a slightly younger player. As long as it’s understood that Brown will sign an extension with the Raptors, they should be interested. Unless they really want to get a youth movement underway, that is.
Pascal Siakam to Portland Trail Blazers
Toronto Raptors Receive: G Anfernee Simons, G/F Shaedon Sharpe, 2023 First-Round PIck (POR), 2025 First-Round Pick (POR), 2027 First-Round Pick (POR)
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
We didn’t set out to write two Siakam trades here. The thing is, Siakam is an in-prime superstar. Some would also argue that he’s not an optimal partner for Scottie Barnes. If the Raptors are making major changes this summer, Siakam is likely to be the odd man out.
This would be a significant change. It also nets the Raptors a potential star in Sharpe. The fact that he’s Canadian only bodes well for his long-term future with Toronto.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Meanwhile, if the Blazers insist on hanging onto Lillard, this is a no-brainer. Siakam should be the perfect co-star for him as an elite two-way wing. Of course, Siakam isn’t the only player on this Raptors team that rival GMs could covet
OG Anunoby to Memphis Grizzlies
Toronto Raptors Receive: F/C Brandon Clarke, G/F Ziaire Williams, 2024 First-Round Pick (GSW via MEM), 2026 First-Round Pick (MEM)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F OG Anunoby
Raptors fans may not like this deal. They will have their reasons. Anunoby is good, and he’s young. Even if the Raptors are rebuilding, they’d have reasons to hang onto him.
At the same time, it’s been rumored that he’s dissatisfied with his role in Toronto. Even if he isn’t, moving him could have some value. Here, the Raptors get a young player with tremendous upside in Williams in addition to a pair of first-round picks.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
The Grizzlies shouldn’t hesitate to make that offer. This team could be a piece away from serious title contention, and Anunoby could be that piece. If they’re lucky, they’ll be able to avoid blowing up this core for the foreseeable future.
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