The Toronto Raptors are expected to be sellers between now and the Feb. 6 trade deadline and could play a pivotal role in a Jimmy Butler trade.
Matt Moore of The Action Network, outlined a potential three-team trade that could send Butler to the Golden State Warriors, Bruce Brown to the Miami Heat and Andrew Wiggins to the Raptors:
“One framework two sources described as Golden State’s ‘hope’ involved Andrew Wiggins going out in the deal, either directly to Toronto or rerouted to Toronto from Miami for Brown. If Wiggins does not sound like the ‘significant piece’ Stein reported on to you, well, he’s not. But what he is a contract they can package with other things.”
It was initially reported by Doug Smith of the Toronto Star that league sources believe that the Raptors are trying to enter the Butler sweepstakes by being facilitators in the trade. The Raptors have valuable expiring contracts which include Bruce Brown, Chris Boucher and Davion Mitchell.
ESPN’s Shams Charania noted that the Heat are engaged with the Warriors and Phoenix Suns on a potential Jimmy Butler trade. However, to execute a deal other teams would need to get involved. That’s where the Raptors come in as the third or fourth team.
Wiggins has been linked to Toronto in the past and this would bring him to his hometown team. He’s set to make $28 million next season and $30 million for 2026-27. The Raptors could keep him alongside fellow Canadian RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes. Or they could re-package him in another deal. The possibility of the Raptors trading for Wiggins is certainly intriguing.
Toronto team to monitor for Brandon Ingram trade
NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported that the Toronto Raptors are ‘a team to watch’ for Brandon Ingram ahead of the deadline.
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