What is the biggest market in the NBA? It’s New York. Perhaps – but Los Angeles gives it a run for its money. These are generally held to be the two biggest markets.
At the same time, there’s another team that you could make the same case for. Think about the Toronto Raptors. This team’s market isn’t simply Toronto – a large market in its own right.
The Raptors play for an entire country. This is Canada’s team. Who could ask for a bigger market than that? For some players, that’s a key question.
Some NBA players are known to prefer to play in a large market. Often, that’s been rumored to be the case for Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Could the Raptors trade for him?
NBA Trade Proposal: Toronto Raptors Land Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors receive: G Donovan Mitchell, G Ricky Rubio
On the other hand, Toronto hasn’t been a desirable market for everyone. At times, the Raptors have had trouble attracting American talent. It’s tricky. The Raptors are the only team that plays in a different country.
Sure, Toronto is a big, bustling metropolis. Yes, Canada is (slightly) more populous than Los Angeles. For some NBA players, that doesn’t matter. They’re American, and they’d prefer to play in America. Who could blame them? They have 29 American teams to choose from.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors Updates
That said, some Raptors players have felt deeply loyal to the team. By all accounts, Siakam is one of those players. It’s been reported that he’d refuse to sign an extension with any other team.
Should the Cavaliers risk acquiring him anyway?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
Siakam may want to stay in Toronto. That doesn’t mean that the partnership makes sense. Scottie Barnes is emerging as a superstar player, and he and SIakam are redundant. It’s time for him to accept a new home.
Cleveland should be happy to provide him with one. By contrast, SIakam would be an extremely intriguing fit here. His defensive fit alongside Evan Mobley alone is intriguing.
Jarrett Allen has been injured, but when he returns, the Cavaliers will have options. They could move Allen to accommodate their new frontcourt, or, they could try a jumbo-sized lineup with Siakam at the three.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors Updates
Either way, the Cavaliers have broader concerns here. They’re simply trying to get value for Mitchell. If he’s really bound for an exit, trading him for another star is likely their best route.
The Cavaliers are built to win – why trade Mitchell for assets if they can directly swap him for another star? Should the Raptors facilitate that swap?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Siakam and Barnes may be redundant. Mitchell could be the perfect co-star for Barnes. Barnes is a dynamic playmaking wing with outstanding floor vision. Who could be a better co-star for him than a shot-creating guard?
After all, Mitchell is one of the best in the NBA. Moreover, he’s still young. This isn’t strictly a win-now push for Toronto. They’re assembling their core of the future as well.
At the same time, it ought to help them win now. That’s key here – the Raptors need to persuade Mitchell to stick around long-term. That’s a risk, but it’s one worth taking.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors Updates
If Mitchell wants a big market, he won’t find a bigger one than the entire country of Canada.
