The Toronto Raptors are officially in their new era as a franchise.
After trading O.G. Anunoby and Pascal Siakam within the last month, the Raptors have made it clear that they have entered a rebuild around Scottie Barnes.
Raptors Vice-Chairman and President Masai Ujiri addressed the media following the Siakam trade on Jan. 18.
Ujiri explained his though process of making the move(s) that he did going back to last season.
He also got visibly emotional when reflecting on the Siakam moments that stood out the most to him.
Also, Ujiri acknowledged that the Raptors are in a new phase with Barnes and the young core.
When asked if more trades are coming for the Raptors before the Feb. 8 trade deadline, Ujiri answered “yeah definitely.”
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Raptors now make subsequent deals following their two big blockbuster trades. Toronto could look to explore the trade market even more, rip the bandaid off and look to acquire more assets to help their future.
The Raptors have veterans in Jakob Poeltl, Dennis Schroder, Chris Boucher and Bruce Brown who could all help contending teams.
However, Ujiri did say that Brown is a key to what they are doing.
Another interesting name to keep an eye on is Gary Trent Jr. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He and the Raptors have not gotten an extension done when it was reported this past summer that they were close.
Ujiri also mentioned that he’s looking to add shooters on the roster.
So we could see the Raptors try to get back young assets and picks in any potential deals that they make.
Fresh start for the Raptors
The Raptors have gone through a major transformation in less than a year. Losing Fred VanVleet and trading away both Anunoby and Siakam truly ends an era for Toronto.
Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett now look to lead the new vision Ujiri and this Raptors organization has.
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