Which teams might be trade partner for Raptors?

Even if the Raptors want to make a trade, they need a team willing to part with someone. Which squads are likely to make some moves?

As you’ve heard lately to the point of fatigue, the trade deadline is approaching. The NBA press uses a considerable amount of jargon and this time of year sees the terms “buyer” and “seller” bandied about. I thought we examine which teams might be in the market to improve their roster, presumably with an eye to the playoffs (i.e., the buyers), and which teams want to dump malcontents, misfits or even their entire squad (i.e., the sellers). Finally, in which camp reside the Toronto Raptors?

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BUYERS

There are a number of teams whose General Manager feels they are a player away from serious contention…or their owner does, and breathes down the GM’s neck until he makes a trade. The Charlotte Hornets sit just outside the playoffs, and Michael Jordan won’t be a happy golfer this summer if his team misses the post-season dance again. The aging Chicago Bulls are in shock about the loss of serious sparkplug Jimmy Butler; a week ago I would have called them buyers, but it’s tough to say now. Likewise the Detroit Pistons, who are going to have to figure out how to cope without Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. They may need to deal to solidify their playoff hopes.

Dec 2, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) is defended by Toronto Raptors center Lucas Nogueira (92) and forward Terrence Ross (31) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Raptors defeated the Hawks 96-86. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta has been suspected of wanting to promote Dennis Schroder to the starting unit by dumping Jeff Teague, but I find that notion fishy. If I had the luxury of two starter-grade point guards, I certainly wouldn’t let one go without a huge return.

SELLERS

Here we find the organizations whose seasons have been bitterly disappointing. The Milwaukee Bucks were expected to make a jump but have regressed, despite adding Greg Monroe in the off-season. Everyone outside Brooklyn knew the Nets would be bad, and they have. Their coach and GM have been kicked to the curb. The Nets should make some deals, but who’s in charge? The Orlando Magic were raising their fans’ hopes for a playoff berth until the calendar rolled over to 2016. Since then, they have been in freefall, and presumably want to shake things up.

Out West, Phoenix has capsized. I don’t normally hold with the notion of “They have to do something” when a team craters, but in their case I’ll make an exception. The Sacramento Kings are muttering about tossing coach George Karl out the door. If they do, Rudy Gay, who appears to have worn out his welcome, may follow him via trade. The New Orleans Pelicans are floundering, but don’t want to give up Ryan Anderson. They are being foolish, as he’s on an expiring contract. Make a deal.

Denver has several Nuggets who have been the subject of rumors, including J.J. Hickson, Joffrey Lauvergne and Kenneth Faried.

SIDELINE-WATCHERS

If you were in the front offices of San Antonio, Golden State, Cleveland, or Oklahoma City, would you be active in the trade market? Neither would I. Managers of those powerhouses are more concerned about ensuring their stars get sufficient rest and remain injury-free. The Memphis Grizzlies aren’t in the top rank, but appear solidly playoff-bound and have no need to deal.

I suppose teams like Minnesota, the Lakers and Philadelphia could make a deal or two, but they are all rebuilding with kids. There’s little point.

The Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets are battling for the last WC playoff seeds. I don’t think any of them wants to mess with their rosters.

Finally, the LA Clippers have shot down the notion of trading the embarrassing Blake Griffin.

RAPTORS

This corner wants them to be buyers. We’ve got lots of tangible assets (quality players on reasonable contracts) and intangible ones (draft selections). The team needs a real power forward, and some support on the wing would be a comfort.

Next: Alternate 5-man units for Raptors

CONCLUSION

I’m not done urging GM Masai Ujiri to make a trade, and I’ll be zeroing in on those teams I’ve identified as Sellers.

[Editor’s Note: Here’s a valuable post from CBS Sports’ Matt Moore which discusses specific players on the block, and also offers pointers on how to make sense of trade-deadline craziness.]

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