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The clock is now ticking for the Toronto Raptors and the rest of the league to make some last-minute adjustments before the window for trades closes for good this season.
Early on, it appeared that the Raps just needed some help with their frontcourt to regain their status as title contenders in the much-improved Eastern Conference.
But it seems that the unfavorable speculations of this season have taken their toll on the franchise, as injuries, COVID-19, and their temporary re-location to Tampa Bay have indeed played a factor in their sudden drop in the standings.
Losers of their last nine straight outings, the Raptors are currently out of the playoff picture with a 17-26 slate. Unless some magical turnaround happens, it appears the 2019 NBA champions are lottery-bound by season’s end.
While guys like Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby still give the team some hope moving forward, it appears that some key players have already worn their welcome in Toronto.
Kyle Lowry and Norman Powell are reportedly both on the trade block and could net Toronto some valuable pieces moving forward.
While it seems the once perennial contenders are in need of help on all fronts at the moment, they need to swing for the fences before Thursday to avoid a possible rebuild by season’s end.
The Raptors need another superstar
FVV is great and all, but most pundits still see him as a dependable no.2 or third option instead of a guy you can build around with. Siakam’s latest brush-in with head coach Nick Nurse also shows he might not exactly be franchise-player material in the long run.
Toronto needs another DeMar Derozan type, or perhaps if they’re in luck, another Kawhi Leonard to somehow turn their season around.
Lowry should be that guy but it’s clear that he’s bound for greater things with a different franchise before he calls it a career.
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If they can somehow convince other teams to absorb Lowry’s $30 million salary this season, then they’ll have the significant cap room to trade for another superstar-caliber player whom they can build around. That is if anyone bites. In reality, the NBA champion point guard will likely get bought out and the Raptors will just shed some room instead of getting players in return.
Still, that isn’t so bad, especially if they can also move sought-after wing Powell in any deal. A trade package involving the two could even be enticing enough for other teams looking to trade their franchise player.
The perfect scenario for Toronto would be acquiring a superstar that also plays the center position to fill that gaping hole they have underneath. Andre Drummond is the guy that fits that bill although the possibility of acquiring him via trade also remains grim. Like Lowry, the two-time All-Star would also likely get bought out and elect to join a sure-fire contender rather than a struggling Raps franchise.
Another defensive-minded center, Myles Turner, from the Pacers can also be a godsend to the Nurse-mentored team if they can somehow pry him away.
Still, the Raps would be better chasing for that go-to player, considering there are reportedly several on the trading block right now. A deal with the Wizards for Bradley Beal seems far-fetched but the Raptors should explore if given the chance.
A guy like Victor Oladipo or maybe even aging vets like LaMarcus Aldridge or Kevin Love can still make them a better team.
If all else fails, Toronto can always go for a more familiar route and try to bring back Derozan to The North.
