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Trade Proposal: Let’s get a real stretch-4 on Raptors

By Brian Boake

Jan 30, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) celebrates after making a three point shot during the second half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans won 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) celebrates after making a three point shot during the second half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans won 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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We’re another day closer to the NBA trade deadline, and the Raptors haven’t beefed up their frontcourt. Here’s another possible target who would provide immediate help.

Here’s an idea I’ve been resisting for months, but I’m going to toss it out there and hopefully generate some discussion. The Toronto Raptors have been playing exceptionally fine basketball all season, and in particular since the New Year. While there is merit in the “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” perspective, I think our team could use a jolt of fresh blood. Let’s trade for the New Orleans Pelicans’ Ryan Anderson.

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Nov 13, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) defends against Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) at Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated New Orleans 100-81. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) defends against Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) at Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated New Orleans 100-81. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Those of you who have been following my trade notions will know I’ve been looking for a nasty-boy type to play power forward, someone who can defend the paint, pull down rebounds, and strike fear into opponents. Ryan Anderson isn’t that guy; he’s quite respectable on the glass, particularly for a stretch-4, but is no one’s idea of a beast. That’s one reason I haven’t put together a trade proposal prior. The other is his contract situation. He’s an unrestricted free-agent following this season, and will get showered with offers. I’m aware of Masai Ujiri’s skill and success rate at keeping players he wants in the fold. But this off-season, our GM’s biggest job will be figuring out how to pay DeMar DeRozan. The NBA salary cap is a great leveler.

Setting aside those giant reservations, here’s the offer: Patrick Patterson, Luis Scola and the New York pick in the 2016 draft.

What do the Raptors get? Anderson is a 7-year veteran who has scored in double figures in every season save his rookie one. His career shooting percentage from beyond the arc is 37.9, and he consistently averages between 5 and 7 rebounds per game. While his free-throw percentage is a gaudy 85.9, he only gets to the line a few times a game, which is not surprising considering he doesn’t put the ball on the floor a great deal.

As a defender, I’d mark him C+. Strong back-to-the-basket PFs will give Ryan trouble, but how many of them are out there?

Hoops Hype has him ranked as the #5 power forward in free agency. There’s no shame in that – he’s behind Al Horford, Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan. That list includes 3 sure Hall of Famers.

As to what the Raptors are giving up: 2-Pat’s shooting is too erratic, as is his rebounding. Scola shouldn’t be playing more than 12 minutes a game, but he’s starting. Someone has to. The draft pick is the most valuable asset we’re offering, but we’ve got young prospects dangling from the ceiling.

For New Orleans, this trade should be a no-brainer. They aren’t within shouting distance of a playoff spot, and I suspect they are aware Anderson isn’t going to stick around. He’s 27 and wants to win. Scola is done after this season, but 2-Pat has value and is under contract. The draft pick is potentially golden.

Anderson has been talked about as a trade candidate for months, as you can see here, and here, and lots of other places.

Financially this deal has precious little effect on either team. Financially it’s almost a wash. From a win forecast, the Raptors gain 3 wins while the Pelicans lose 1. Yawn.

Next: Alternate 5-man units for Raptors

OK, Rapture Nation, over to you: is Ryan Anderson a fit? Drop a Comment, please.

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