Hello Raptors Fans,
The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching.
All trades must be finalized and sent to the NBA offices for approval in New York, before 3pm on February.10th, 2022.
Will the Toronto Raptors be buyers or sellers heading into the deadline?
Well, the Raptors are finally getting healthy, and their core group is now getting a chance to play together for a solid stretch of games. This has given the Raptors brass a chance to see what this team is all about. Although the team has faced a lot of adversity this season, they have found a way to scratch and claw their way to a winning record. Currently they are sitting at (26-23) and in 8th spot in the Eastern Conference.
The eye test shows the team starting to gel – forming chemistry, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively it has looked a lot more disjointed however with a healthy squad and more practice time together, it is getting much better.
In my opinion, this team will be buyers at the deadline. I don’t expect any blockbuster trades involving our core group however I do see Masai Ujiri, Bobby Webster and team looking to add complimentary players to help support the existing core. Areas of focus will most likely be the Center position and some players that can provide solid shooting off the bench. Floor spacing, rim protection and a mobile big body that can guard the true 7-foot Centers in the league, that have been giving us trouble, should be on top of that list.
If my assumptions are correct and we leave the core intact. These are the players on our roster that will be used to dangle in the market:
Goran Dragic and his 19.7 million expiring contract, Chris Boucher who is a free agent this summer, Malachi Flynn who has been passed by Dalano Banton on the team’s depth chart. Khem Birch and Precious Achiuwa who both haven’t quite filled the 5 spot as expected, as well as anybody else on the team not named Pascal Siakam, Fred Van Vleet, OG Anunoby, Gary Trent JR and Scottie Barnes. We also have draft capital in the form of 1st and 2nd round picks that can be added as sweeteners to any deal.
Here are five trade targets I think the Toronto Raptors should be going after to help our team:
Jakob Poeltl (San Antonio Spurs)
Jakob is a former Toronto Raptor who was included with Demar DeRozan in the Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green trade that catapulted the Raptors to the Championship in 2019. Poeltl is good friends with Pascal Siakam and other players on the team – making it an easy transition and playing style, that he should have some experience with. He is only 26 years old and still has another year remaining on his contract for a reasonable 9.4 million. He fits our team dynamics and will not be a rental player. Jakob is a mobile 7-footer who provides rim protection, covers the pick & roll well and has great court vision for a big man.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (New Orleans Pelicans)
Nickeil is a 23-year-old, 6’5″ combo guard that would provide shooting and good shot creation to our squad. He is from Toronto and can join his fellow countryman Dalano Banton off the bench to help support or starters. NAW has not really gotten a fair shake in New Orleans and would be a great fit for Toronto. He has a team friendly contract of 5 million, expiring next year. Nickeil fits our needs to a key. He is young, from Toronto and I could see him blossoming in his hometown jersey. All he needs is a chance to showcase his skills on a regular basis.
Jae’Sean Tate (Houston Rockets)
Jae’Sean Tate is an undrafted 6’4″ (guard/forward) who played in Belgium and Australia before making his way over to the NBA in 2020. Tate is one of those players that is not exceptional at any one skill however he does many things well. He is a tenacious defender and rebounder for his size and would be a solid bench contributor for the Raptors. He fits our style of play well and would bring energy off the bench when the starters need some rest.
Mo Bamba (Orlando Magic)
Mo Bamba is a former 1st round (6th pick) in 2018. This 7-footer is a great rim protector who has the unique ability to also spread the floor with the capability of hitting the 3-point shot. He has fallen out of Orlando’s plans as they did not offer him an extension to his rookie deal. He will become a free agent at the end of the year so expect Orlando to unload him at the deadline for some assets. If the more proven Jakob Poeltl is off the table, I believe the Raptors should give serious consideration to Mo Bamba. It may end up being a rental situation however with his upside it may well be worth it to get a taste of what he can bring to the table for Toronto.
Montrezl Harrell (Washington Wizards)
The Washington Wizards are on a 6-game losing streak and quickly falling out of playoff contention. They have a bunch of Centers on their team and could afford to off load Harrell who is a free agent at the end of the year. Montrezl is not the 7-foot Center we have on our radar however he does bring energy off the bench every time he steps on the floor. Harrell always gives us trouble. Montrezl Harrell is what we had hoped Precious Achiuwa would bring to our team. Harrell knows his role and delivers consistently. This would be a plan C if Jakob and Bamba deals could not be worked out.
Who do you think the Toronto Raptors should go after before the trade deadline next week? Please provide your insights below in the comments…
