Dec. 15 means the unofficial start of NBA trade season. One of the teams that are expected to be busy up until the trade deadline are the Toronto Raptors.
Now in their first full season under a rebuild, Toronto still possesses veteran talent that can warrant a decent return.
Some names including Bruce Brown, Chris Boucher, Jakob Poeltl and Kelly Olynyk. The more likely candidates to be moved are Brown and Boucher.
However, Brown has yet to suit up this season for the Raptors. Last February, Toronto wanted a first-round pick for his services and ultimately did not get it. Fast forward to now and it is looking like several second-round picks are in order.
Same can be said for Boucher, who once again has fallen out of the rotation. He is the lone member remaining from Toronto’s 2019 championship team.
Boucher is currently on an expiring contract, which has more value under the new CBA. So, it would make sense for Masai Ujiri to get some sort of return before he walks this summer.
The most interesting decision for the Raptors is what they will do will Poeltl, who has been on a tear as of late. Currently averaging 15.9 points and 11.3 rebounds, opposing general managers are going to be calling to check on his availability.
It’ll be intriguing to see if the Raptors would be willing to part ways with Poeltl. At this point, they could demand a first-round pick given his recent play.
Lastly, Olynyk will probably not be moved. Seeing how he signed a two-year, $26 million extension this past offseason and he still offers a lot of value to the team as a veteran presence.
Hypothetical Raptors trade sees Andrew Wiggins to Toronto
One of the teams that made a deal already were the Golden State Warriors and they might not be done.
Nathaniel Holloway of The Sporting News proposed a trade between the Warriors and Raptors, which has Andrew Wiggins coming home to Toronto.
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