5 Raptors Trades For Christmas
Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter and forward Zach Randolph during warmups before facing the Portland Trailblazers in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
5. Ross, Johnson and Patterson for Randolph, Carter and Ja. Green (Grizzlies)
Our first real blockbuster deal features a familiar face.
The franchise cousins can and should consummate a deal of this magnitude, given the fact that the 16-15 Memphis Grizzlies are a shadow of the team that threatened a Finals run back in 2012. And truthfully, the reason for that is that they haven’t really changed much since then. The twin towers of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph aren’t as effective as they once were. Mike Conley is oft banged up. And Tony Allen’s 3 point shot is about as reliable as Andrea Bargnani’s defense (yes, I went there!).
But let’s be completely honest for a moment. Hate him or love him, every warm-blooded Raptors fan wants to see Vincent Lamar Carter ride out his career in the place where it all began for him. He’s been quoted numerous times that he’d love the opportunity. So what do we need to do get make it happen?
The Deal:
Masai Ujiri isn’t one to part with draft picks, as he loves to build through the draft. However, a deal of this magnitude would put the Raptors into the NBA Finals conversation, solely on the merits of Z-Bo. Randolph would complement Jonas Valanciunas in the same way he does with Gasol. Toronto’s interior defensive scheme would be insane and opposing teams would have a harder time rebounding against them.
Vince Carter would make his (triumphant?) return to the team he put on the basketball map. Anthony Bennett would most likely surrender his number 15 to accommodate Carter, and fans would be hoping for some momentary flashes of Vinsanity that we’ve been accustomed to seeing on plays of week every so often. But all the nostalgia aside, VC actually serves as a decent role player, using his veteran savvy to play excellent defense and is a more than capable scorer off the bench.
JaMychal Green, while a decent player, is just there to balance the cap flow. The real driver of the deal are the draft picks. Again, a small price to pay for greater success.
Ross and Patterson some much-needed depth in the 3-point department, while James Johnson, being no stranger to Memphis, will easily fit in with the defense.
Next: Toronto Raptors - 5 days of Christmas
What do you think? Are there any viable trades that you’d like the Raptors to make? Post your comments below or hit me up on Twitter @ShadowRapsFan and the best trade scenario will win a pair of Raptors 905 tickets!
I hope you had a Merry Christmas!