In the aftermath of the Milwaukee Bucks trading for Damian Lillard, new details are coming out about the Toronto Raptors not getting a deal done for the superstar.
The Raptors were in the mix for Damian Lillard and were the frontrunners going into this week.
However, at the end Toronto nor Miami traded for Lillard.
According to The Toronto Sun’s Ryan Wolstat, the Raptors didn’t want to part ways with OG Anunoby:
“League sources mused Toronto simply would not dangle OG Anunoby for Lillard.”
The Toronto Raptors weren’t going to trade Scottie Barnes so the expectation was that the Raptors would build a package around OG Anunoby for Damian Lillard.
If the Raptors weren’t willing to trade OG Anunoby in a trade package for Damian Lillard, that is indeed surprising.
The Raptors are known to be very high on their players’ value when it comes to trade conversations.
After failing to strike this deal for Lillard, the Raptors now face many question marks with their current roster. Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. are all set to become unrestricted free agents next summer.
There has been no talks of an extension for all three of these players. Fans are beginning to become frustrated with Masai Ujiri and the Raptors’ ultimate plan. Not going for a win now move and not signalling for a rebuild leaves the team stuck in the middle.
The Raptors appear comfortable to begin the 2023-24 NBA season with their current roster. However, if the Raptors have another subpar season, Masai Ujiri could be on the hot seat.
Bucks trade for Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard is going to the Milwaukee Bucks. After what felt like a never-ending saga, the Bucks emerge as the winners of the Damian Lillard sweepstakes.
The Bucks were able to outbid the Heat and Raptors on their way to acquiring the seven-time All-Star.
The Bucks now arguably the best duo in the NBA with Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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