The Toronto Raptors are inching closer and closer to a rebuild.
After Monday’s loss to the New York Knicks, Toronto is now 9-14. It is clear that something is not clicking at this point, despite hiring Darko Rajakovic this offseason.
Last season the Raptors found themselves in trade rumors and many expected them to blow it up. But, ultimately they decided to roll the dice on this core. This will be the second go around in the rumor mill with rumors already firing up.
While there is a sense of urgency to make a move, it is clear that Scottie Barnes is the player to build around in a hypothetical rebuild. That being said, Barnes has been deemed untouchable in any trade talks, via Shams Charania of The Athletic:
“Barnes has been deemed untouchable in any trade conversations, league sources say.”
When Kevin Durant requested out of the Brooklyn Nets, the Raptors were interested in the superstar. When Damian Lillard requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto was in the mix as well.
However, Durant was ultimately traded to the Phoenix Suns and Lillard was shipped to the Milwaukee Bucks. When the Raptors were rumored as a trade partner for both stars, it was believed that the Raptors were unwilling to trade away Barnes.
Through 23 games, Barnes is averaging 19.8 points, 9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.2 blocks. It is abundantly clear that his two-way ability is upper echelon and is what will make him a great player in the NBA.
Three teams linked to Anunoby and Pascal Siakam
O.G. Anunoby and Pascal Siakam are set to become unrestricted free agents next summer. Now both have found themselves in heavy trade rumors in the offseason and those talks are heating up once again.
Charania revealed that there are three suitors for both Anunoby and Siakam, if Toronto decides to move on from this core.
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