5 best trades in Toronto Raptors history

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Mar 7, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (left) and Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (right) talk after the game at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Sacramento 99-87. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

#1. December 9, 2013.

Traded Rudy Gay, Quincy Acy and Aaron Gray to the Sacramento Kings for Patrick Patterson, Chuck Hayes, Greivis Vasquez and John Salmons.

There’s that “addition by subtraction” thing again! Masai Ujiri quickly made up his mind that his predecessor’s acquisition of Rudy Gay wasn’t working, and wouldn’t ever. Rudy’s ball-sticking ways were choking the life out of the Raptors’ offense; the team was 6-12 when the deal was announced. While dumping the grossly overpaid Gay was not an easy task, Masai got back far more than we (or he) expected. Team chemistry improved immeasurably, and Dwane Casey was able to integrate his new people into a winning lineup immediately.

The rippling effects of this trade are still very much with us, despite the fact only one of the four (Patrick Patterson) remains a Rap. Salmons was moved to Atlanta for Lou Williams and Lucas Nogueira – a great deal for Toronto. The eager but slow-of-foot Vasquez was swapped to the Bucks for Norman Powell and a first-round pick; another winner.

Dumping Rudy’s grossly overstuffed contract is perhaps the most important element of the deal. The Raptors no longer have any player on the books at a crazy valuation, and are in sound shape to take advantage of next season’s sharp rise in the salary cap. DeMarre Carroll is not the last free agent to join our team.

For its immediate turnaround in the Raptors’ fortunes, and the long-term flexibility it provides, I judge this trade the best any Toronto GM has ever pulled off.

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