The Toronto Raptors could be in the market for Boston Celtics big man Tristan Thompson.
Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported the Celtics could deal Thompson before the March 25, including the Raptors as a possible suitor.
Thompson would make sense for the Raptors as currently constructed. Toronto ranks last in the NBA in rebounding. Thompson is averaging 8.4 rebounds in 22.5 minutes per game with the Celtics, and has been one of the best offensive rebounders in basketball for the past few seasons. He was also born in Toronto.
However, the Raptors seemingly have decisions to make before they decide whether to buy ahead of the deadline.
Toronto (17-22) is currently 11th in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors are only two games out of the eighth and final playoff spot–and just one game out of play-in tournament eligibility–but it would be a bit unlike Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster to chase a low seeding. This is all the more true given the Kyle Lowry uncertainty.
Lowry will be a free agent at the end of the 2020-21 season. The Raptors do not appear very likely to bring the soon-to-be 35-year-old back, given they just re-signed Fred VanVleet to a four-year deal and could eventually hand greater responsibility to 2020 first-round pick Malachi Flynn.
If Toronto decides to move Lowry and reposition as sellers, it might not make sense to add Thompson. The 30-year-old has a player option for the 2021-22 campaign, one he might be motivated to exercise if the market dictates.
Thompson does not appear to have a big place in the team's long-term vision. It will be interesting to see how the Raptors navigate the thin line between buying and selling in the net week-plus.
Follow Us
Subscribe