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Trade Proposal: Terrence Ross and Greg Stiemsma for Thomas Robinson and Will Barton

By Kevin Nimmock

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The Toronto Raptors need help in the rebounding and interior defence categories. The good news is GM Masai Ujiri should have a lot of options to choose from during the NBA Trade Deadline on Feb. 19. The Raptors will certainly be buyers rather than sellers, as they already have a solid roster and a realistic shot to compete in the playoffs this season.

Many of the teams that will be looking for trades will be looking for pieces to help them rebuild. By now, it is clear which teams have no hope at making the playoffs, so many of those organizations are going to opt to blowup their rosters and try again, starting with the trade deadline. But, like the Raptors, there are a few highly competitive teams looking to make some minor trades to help out their chances of playoff contention.

Reports have begun circling that the Portland Trailblazers (36-17, same as the Raptors) are looking to get rid of youngsters Thomas Robinson and Will Barton. Ujiri should take advantage of this opportunity and offer Terrence Ross and Greg Stiemsma. The deal would help both teams, by filling gaps that could potentially hinder their chances at playoff contention.

Robinson is the most attractive part of this trade for the Raptors. The fifth overall pick in 2012 has had about the furthest thing from the start of a dream NBA career. If Portland does indeed trade him, it will be his third trade. He has struggled to adjust to the NBA game or pickup any real traction as a defender or an offensive threat. He is posting a lacklustre stateline of 3.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game this season. However, the potential is still there.

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Robinson is 6-9 and 240 pounds, he has the ability to rebound and he has shown slim moments of defensive prowess. These are all things the Raptors desperately need. He would offer support down-low, and help Amir Johnson and Patrick Patterson, who aren’t particularly good rebounders. Unfortunately, Johnson is eventually going to leave Toronto. It could very well happen at the end of this year when his contract expires. When he goes, the Raps will have to have a power forward of the future waiting to replace his impressive contributions. With solid coaching, Robinson could become this guy.

Barton offers far less, but could also be an important bench player for the Raptors. Barton is a 24-year-old who can play small forward or shooting guard. He is quite athletic, but has lacked shooting consistency in Portland. He could help cover some of Terrence Ross’ minutes. Barton is a very cheap commodity who is desperate to prove himself in the NBA. He could surprise us.

The Raptors have already said they aren’t interested in parting ways with Ross. This could be subject to change, or it could have been said simply to force prospective trading partners to offer more attractive pieces for Ross. Like Robinson, Ross has had a rough season. He is struggling to develop into the player he was supposed to become. While he could still become a great small forward, the Raptors don’t really need him. They recently won against Washington, San Antonio, and Los Angeles (Clippers) with Ross coming off the bench, rather than starting. The Raptors can win without him and Ujiri can use him to get worthwhile players like Robinson.

Stiemsma offers limited value, but there is still something to be said about a shot blocking expert who can defend around the rim. He has relatively no offensive ability, but he can set a decent pick and has made a career out of unselfish play. Like Barton, he is a cheap commodity for a team looking to fill a spot.

All in all, this trade would help the Raptors gain depth and toughness at the power forward spot. It wouldn’t exactly be a blockbuster trade, but it could help the Raptors succeed in the playoffs.

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