Does this deal make any sense for either side? A workable package would be Hawes and Lavoy Allen or Dorell Wright for AB. Time to cut to the chase – I hate any deal which bring Hawes to Toronto. We already have him, except our version answers to the name of Aaron Gray. (OK, OK – the real Spencer Hawes is superior to Gray. He’s got better shooting range from outside, and is more mobile, particularly on defense. We still don’t need the guy.) Our bench is already short. Linas Kleiza is in street clothes, and Mickael Pietrus might as well be. Given that our current Hawes clone hardly plays, what purpose would be served by having another one?

Jan 30, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Toronto Raptors center Aaron Gray (34) during the second quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

So I’m discarding any trade involving Hawes. Can we build a package from Philly that’s workable? Financially, Allen, Wright and Arnett Moultrie for AB passes, and would be a huge win for the Raps. Grabbing 3 youthful front court players would provide Dwane Casey the flexibility to play big or small which was lost when Ed Davis was traded. The 76ers are sliding out of the playoff race, and so may be in a mood to do a “let’s shake things up” trade, but surely not this one. Their roster would be denuded of their young bigs in one fell swoop. Tony DiLeo, the 76ers’ GM, might get fired on the spot for even considering this deal.

You can see where I’m going with this. I can’t construct a trade with Philly – can you? Please let me know in the Comments.

Brian Boake is a co-editor for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.

Jan 18, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Ed Davis (32) shoots a jump shot over the defense of Philadelphia 76ers forward Thaddeus Young (21) during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers defeated the Raptors 108-101 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

halftime lead had been frittered away, but the Raps still led by four with eight seconds to play. Philly managed to score, force a turnover on the inbounds play, and score again to tie. Overtime was an anti-climax, as Jrue Holiday, who had bedevilled Toronto the entire night, scored all 12 of Philly’s points to lead all scorers with 33. There are so many ways this game hurt.

The Raps poured in 60 points in the first half, and probably should have had more. Terrence Ross rediscovered his jump shot, draining four 3-balls in Q2 before Philly decided perhaps they should cover him. The Raps moved the ball unselfishly, and were full value for their 32 point quarter.

Ed Davis continued his fine play with 18 points and 10 boards, all the more remarkable since he seems to have no idea that he’s allowed to move to his right. Amir Johnson found Ed several times with excellent passes for easy throwdowns, and scored 9 points of his own. Kyle Lowry has had better games. Going 2/7 from distance was disappointing, as was five turnovers. Alan Anderson once again needed too many shots to get his 18 points, but he was better than 2 starters, DeMar DeRozan and Landry Fields. DeMar still can’t hit a 3-ball (0/3) and wasn’t finding lanes to the basket. He had no free throw attempts, and again was a non-factor late. Fields’ disastrous season never seems to find bottom. One basket and two rebounds is dreadful, and his jump shot should not be seen by anyone under 18. At least Dwane Casey limited him to 13 minutes of PT.

The Raps were ahead by 19 early in Q3 after a Jose Calderon 3-ball, but there was no good news after that. All the fine play, and the big lead, disappeared. Philly shot 72%, the Raps were the converse, and the 76ers were down one point going into the fourth. The Raps rediscovered their offense, courtesy of a pair of Anderson 3-balls and some Davis jumpers, and stretched the lead to 10 with five minutes to play. It wasn’t enough.

The Raps must be the worst closers in the NBA. No lead is large enough, and overtime is a near-guaranteed defeat (1-4 this season, including the last two games). If there’s a silver lining in all this cloud, my eyes have missed it.

The Raps take on another struggling team, the Los Angeles Lakers, on Sunday afternoon at the ACC.

Brian Boake is a staff writer for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.