With trade rumours running wild and free agency on the horizon, the Toronto Raptors need to act fast if they want to make a run for the championship.
The Toronto Raptors are currently stuck in NBA purgatory: somewhere between not good enough to win the NBA Championship, but not bad enough to be a lottery team. It feels like they are only one superstar away from winning it all.
In 2019, the Raptors decided to pick up the phone and make the trade for Kawhi Leonard which ultimately led to their first championship in franchise history. Three seasons later, the team is once again back in the same position they were before the Leonard deal.
As free agency approaches and rumours of certain superstars being upset with their current situation(s), who should the Raptors take the chance on?
Kevin Durant
Speaking of disgruntled superstars, Kevin Durant wants out of Brooklyn. With recent reports stating that Durant’s teammate, Kyrie Irving might use an opt-in and trade scenario with his current Nets deal, Durant has reportedly requested a trade away from the Nets.
Toronto needs to capitalize on this as soon as possible. Durant is coming off a monster season averaging 32 points per game, six assists, seven rebounds, one steal and one block.
Durant is quite possibly the most perfect fit for the Raptors, with virtually no downside with his addition. He can easily fit into their line up with his ability to guard positions one through four, provide a high level of scoring, and help the team’s young core develop their game.
The Raptors current line up is very versatile on defence, as they can switch on to anyone without worrying about having liabilities on defence. Durant could fit into this system without missing a beat, and he also provides the Raptors with a skillset they desperately need.
A “closer”
The Toronto Raptors need someone who they can look to in the closing moments of a game, and say, “take me there.” This was a role that Kawhi had taken on and once he left the team, he also left that hole which still needs to be filled.
As it stands, there is no one better for this than Kevin Durant.
The only downside to acquiring Durant is what the Raptors might have to give up. They would be looking at moving, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and possibly Pascal Siakam.
After a blockbuster trade involving any of those players, would the Raptors still have enough to compete for the title immediately? That might just be a gamble the team has to take.
Rudy Gobert
The Utah Jazz could be looking to move Rudy Gobert as the duo of him and Donovan Mitchell hasn’t been working as anticipated the last few seasons, despite making the playoffs six seasons in a row.
Gobert might be an easier acquisition for the Raptors and also fills the holes the team currently have.
A defensive force that fills the center position is something the Raptors currently need. Gobert’s addition could give the team one of the best defensive line ups in the league, with the ability to switch and have the paint locked down as well.
Like Durant, Gobert is also coming off an incredible season and came second in this year’s Defensive Player of The Year race. This past season, Gobert was averaging 15 points per game, 15 rebounds and two blocks.
While it could be said that Gobert doesn’t have the best offence, it’s been argued that the Utah Jazz weren’t utilizing him properly. With the offense running through Mitchell, it keeps the ball away from Gobert.
With an offence utilizing Gobert to the best of his ability, he could potentially give a team 20 points on any given night.
Rudy Gobert is under contract until 2026, which means the Raptors would have to come up with a trade package for him, similar to one for Durant, but not as aggressive. A possible trade could mean saying goodbye to players like, Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr.
This would help give Utah some reliable defenders with shooting upside, and in return, not be too much of an ask for the Raps.
Kyle Ramnarine