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5 Worst Trades in Toronto Raptors’ history

By Brian Boake

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Jan 22, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) carries the ball past Dallas Mavericks guard-forward Vince Carter (25) at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Dallas 93-85. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

#1. Dec. 17, 2004. The Toronto Raptors made worldwide news when they trade Vince Carter to the New Jersey Nets for Alonzo Mourning, Eric Williams, Aaron Williams and 2 future first-round draft picks.

Analysis: All red-blooded Raptors fans knew this stinker had to be Number One. The Raps were under tremendous pressure to deal Air Canada Carter before the trade deadline, as there remained little doubt that he was going to move on as a free agent at season’s end. GM Rob Babcock had fielded a bunch of offers before he suddenly accepted this lowball deal, proposed almost as a joke by Nets’ GM Ed Stefanski.

Result: The ripples on this trade are still being felt. Mourning refused to report to Toronto, meaning that Babcock had an opportunity to rescind the trade the following day. Why he didn’t remains a mystery, but his non-decision cost him his career. The deal was roundly condemned when announced by virtually every NBA commentator in- and out-side of Toronto, so Mourning’s intransigence could have been a blessing in disguise. Our GM didn’t accept the unexpected life-buoy, and the deal went through. Babcock was fired in January of 2006, and has never been offered another NBA post of similar seniority.

In giving up the finest player ever to wear Toronto colours (and $10M to Mourning to not play), the Raps received a couple of Williamses (has-been Eric and never-was Aaron), and picks. For the record, one pick became Joey Graham, the other was moved to the Knicks. Babcock would almost have been better off waiving Vince, who’s still cashing checks but never played as well anywhere as he did while a Raptor.

(Dis)honourable Mention: Marcus Camby to the Knicks. We got back Charles Oakley, who was fine, but in the final years of his career.

That was ugly. The mood will be much happier in my next slideshow, dealing with Best Trades Ever. In the meantime, what say you, Rapture Nation? Is there a dopey deal I forgot? Please drop a Comment.

Next: Grading Raptors' off-season pickups

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