Despite some of the challenges the Toronto Raptors have faced this season, they're still playing like an Eastern Conference team that deserves to be respected. They've proven that they can compete with the best teams in the Eastern Conference, and they're a squad that no competing team will want to face in the playoffs. They may not be as talented as some of the other elite teams in the Eastern Conference, but they will surely make life difficult for opponents and might produce a few upsets in this year's playoffs.

Many reports have circulated that Goran Dragic will be dealt during this year's trade deadline, which makes sense given that he very much indicated before he arrived in Toronto that he did not want to be there, and he has hardly played for this club so far this year due to personal issues.

Let's take a look at the four best deals that the Toronto Raptors should think about making when they decide to move Goran Dragic.

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Best Raptors Trades Dor Goran Dragic

Raptors get: Bojan Bogdanovic

Jazz get: Goran Dragic

The Utah Jazz are seeking a player that can come in and defend at the wing position, so this would be a difficult move for the Raptors to pull off. Goran Dragic, at barely 6 foot 3′, is clearly not that sort of guy, but they may be enticed to complete the trade because they will be getting rid of Bogdanovich and replacing him with someone who does a similar job. Both of them are recognized for being elite 3-point shooters, which may pique the Jazz's attention. They aren't precisely the same sort of player, but they have a lot in common on the court.

This would also benefit the Raptors since they would receive a player who can make the three-point shot at a high level and who will be on the floor for every game if he is healthy.

Raptors get: Reggie Bullock, Boban Marjanović, Dorian Finney-Smith

Mavs get: Goran Dragic

One of the most popular rumors in the NBA is that the Dallas Mavericks are interested in acquiring Goran Dragic. There have been speculations that he is good friends with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, so if the Mavs do go out and get him, it would make a lot of sense.

The Mavs are one of the league's worst three-point shooting teams, so adding a player who can shoot the three-point shot at an elite level is something they'll be searching for. Toronto would also receive three players back, all of whom might possibly aid their squad.

Boban Marjanovic isn't the best player in the world, but he's still someone the Raptors could use because of his height. When they have to go up against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid, he can be a big body who can be thrown in the wall that they like to build around elite forwards and centers.

Reggie Bullock and Dorian Finney-Smith have both shown to be above-average NBA players this season. None of these three players would push the Raptors over the top and make them automatic playoff candidates, but having Goran Dragic on the roster and not playing isn't helping matters in Toronto. If they can receive three players back in exchange for him, this is a transaction that they must complete since it will benefit their organization not only this season, but also in the future when they have three more players to trade.

Raptors get: Paul Millsap, Joe Harris

Raptors get: Goran Dragic

Goran Dragic joining the Brooklyn Nets might be a great fit for their team, and it could be the best deal for Brooklyn. Joe Harris hasn't played much this season, and given how he looked in the playoffs last season, Brooklyn may opt to cut ties with him. It'll be difficult for them to trade someone who is essentially just a three-point shooter for the kind of money he gets, so getting Goran Dragic back may be ideal.

The Raptors would also be able to get veteran Paul Millsap. Paul Millsap has demonstrated throughout his career that he will provide a team with more than serviceable minutes no matter where he is on the court, and he is another player whose body type would fit nicely into the Raptors' defensive tactics. Joe Harris is another player that the Raptors may benefit from having on their roster, despite the fact that they already have a lot of three-point shooters. Toronto is a club that likes to take a lot of 3-pointers, so adding one of the top shooters in the league could make them interested.

Raptors get: Nicolas Batum, Marcus Morris

Clippers get: Goran Dragic

There have been several speculations that the Los Angeles Clippers are considering parting ways with the majority of their roster. Although it would make little sense from their standpoint to do such a deal, they may opt to do so if they also get rid of Eric Bledsoe and need another guard. Adding Nicolas Batum and Marcus Morris to this Raptors squad will undoubtedly be significant acquisitions, as they are both wings who can both defend and shoot the three-point shot at a high level.