Kristaps Porzingis nearly became a Toronto Raptor at the trade deadline in 2022.
During that time, Porzingis was a member of the Dallas Mavericks alongside star Luka Doncic. The hope was that Porzingis and Doncic could create an impressive offensive duo.
However, there was some stagnation due to the big man’s injury concerns and inability to co-exist with Doncic. After two and a half seasons in Dallas, it became clear that the duo had run its course.
As the Mavericks were shopping Porzingis, the Raptors nearly had a deal done for him involving Goran Dragic.
Instead the Raptors pivoted and traded with the San Antonio Spurs which brought in Thaddeus Young. Obviously, Porzingis would have been a better fit then and now than Young, fostering an intriguing what-if scenario.
Also, when Porzingis wanted out of the New York Knicks, Toronto was on his list of preferred destinations, via Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports:
“The Raptors’ front office long harbored an affinity for Porziņģis, and Toronto was one of the teams on his preferred list of trade destinations away from New York.”
Unfortunately, the Porzingis and Raptors partnership never happened. However, the Raptors look to be on a positive trajectory now with this rebuild.
All things considered, the 7’2″ center made a quick pit stop with the Washington Wizards before being traded to the Boston Celtics.
Scottie Barnes extension could get done this summer
Fast forward, Scottie Barnes is now the face of the franchise and leading Toronto in this new era of Raptors basketball.
Now, he is extension-eligible and there are signs pointing to this being done sometime this summer.
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
