The Toronto Raptors were reportedly interested in De’Andre Hunter before acquiring Brandon Ingram ahead of the Feb. 6 NBA Trade Deadline, per Jake Fischer of The Stein Line Substack.
Hunter is a player who has been linked to the Raptors going back to the Pascal Siakam trade rumors, when the Atlanta Hawks were named as a potential suitor.
“Sources say that the Cavaliers viewed the Raptors as their foremost threat to landing Hunter while also being cognizant that the Pelicans and Hawks were discussing frameworks that could have sent Ingram to Atlanta and Hunter to New Orleans,” Fischer wrote.
The Hawks were also heavily linked to Ingram before the trade deadline and the deal would have sent Clint Capela to the Pelicans, per Fischer. However, the Hawks were hesitant when it came to signing Ingram to an extension.
The Raptors ultimately landed Ingram who speeds up the team’s rebuild. The Raptors are now in a position to compete next season with a healthy Ingram added to the mix. For the rest of this season, the Raptors are expected to play for the upcoming draft lottery as they look to add a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The Raptors now have a ton of money committed to its starting five, which could prove to be a financial challenge if the team wants to stay below the luxury tax next season. If the Raptors want to ride it out with this group, it will be an expensive one. Another option is the Raptors could look to move off from RJ Barrett and his contract if the team isn’t sold on his long-term fit in Toronto.
Nonetheless, the Raptors have made an aggressive move and now they will be expected to make this all work.
Brandon Ingram agrees to contract extension with Toronto
Brandon Ingram is staying put in Toronto.
Ingram has agreed to a three-year, $120 million contract extension with the Raptors, which includes a player option in 2027-2028, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
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