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After Kyle Lowry's departure, fans and analysts aren't exactly sure about the direction of the Toronto Raptors. You can't really tag them as a rebuilding team as they still have a star player in Pascal Siakam and a bunch of reliable role players. At the same time, it's hard to imagine the Raptors competing against the head honchos of the league. With that in mind, the front office might be willing to make some adjustments centered on Goran Dragic — the Slovenian guard they acquired via trade who doesn't necessarily want to don the Raptors jersey. There are two teams which will likely embrace Dragic's services.
Raptors Trade Candidates
Dallas Mavericks
Goran Dragic himself expected to don the Dallas Mavericks jersey. After all, he has tight ties with fellow Slovenian Luka Doncic. The two were co-stars for the Slovenian national team. Yet in a strange turn of events, Dragic ended up with the Toronto Raptors — a team he doesn't necessarily want to be in. At this point in his career, the 35-year-old veteran wants to be part of a championship team. The Raptors are a malleable organization at this point with the departure of Kyle Lowry. The Mavs, for their part, while not considered to be a title team just yet, is a team that Dragic fully believes in.
There are a lot of rumors surrounding Dragic, the Mavericks, and the Raptors. Some state that Dragic will eventually negotiate a buyout then the Mavs will pick him up. This rumor has been going on for a month now but nothing has come to fruition. The Mavs, headed by Mark Cuban, isn't necessarily the type of organization that waits. In addition, they are looking to do whatever it takes to make Luka Doncic happy. The presence of Dragic will not just make them better, but it will also please Doncic's wishes.
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Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets will welcome the brand new season without Jamal Murray — arguably their second star behind MVP Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets aren't suddenly the worst team in the league without Murray. There's no doubt that Jokic is willing and able to take on the challenge of leading his team. Also, let's not forget that Michael Porter Jr. recently inked a massive contract extension. This does not only signify that he's become the third star of the Nuggets, but it will also serve as extra motivation. MPJ will need to fill in the void left by Murray.
However, the hole left by Murray cannot be filled just like that. They will still win games that they should win. But against powerhouse teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, or the Brooklyn Nets, they will likely struggle to stand their ground. There's no doubt they'll make the playoffs once again. But the big question is: will they be able to make a deeper run? Or will it be another disappointing season?
If the Nuggets want to have a crack at the title, the only way to do it is to simply get Goran Dragic. They should take advantage of his iffy situation with the Toronto Raptors and downright propose a trade. They will have to let go of their guards like PJ Dozier and Monte Morris. But this is a move they must make to keep their head above water. Among those available in the trade block, only Dragic can fill the void left by Murray. The Raptors would welcome any tweak that would give them the pieces to start anew after the end of the Kyle Lowry era.
