Despite snapping up Jared Sullinger, the Toronto Raptors may still decide to address their weakness at the power forward position
The signing of Sullinger on a 1 year/$6million deal was a shrewd move by Raptors General Manager Masai Ujiri. Desperate to improve on a position which was filled by the likes of Luis Scola last year, Ujiri done well to rebound from missing out on Pau Gasol earlier this month. Sullinger may not be an All-Star but he does provide the mid-range scoring that allows for some much-needed floor spacing for the Raptors. Sullinger’s best attribute is arguably his screen-setting which can only help Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan when running the pick and roll with the former Boston Celtic.
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Despite Sullinger’s signing being a necessary one, the coup still leaves a major weakness for the Raptors at the 4 position. Sullinger isn’t going to be the difference maker should Toronto face a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference Finals at any stage in the playoffs next year. The loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers not only helped pinpoint how far Toronto had come in comparison to recent years but also how far they have to go if they are ever to reach the Finals.
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The signing of Sullinger would limit the negative effect should Patrick Patterson depart in a trade. Patterson was one of the best players around the league at coming off the bench last season, but his expiring contract and impressive play makes him a valuable trade chip. A fit and motivated Sullinger would be looked upon as being able to step in for Patterson should he be included in any trades that linger in Ujiri’s mind.
One player that could be available sooner than most would have expected, is Blake Griffin. The Los Angeles Clippers are the typical treadmill team so often seen in the NBA. Either exiting the postseason in the 1st or 2nd round, the Clippers need a fresh start, especially considering that both Griffin and superstar Point Guard Chris Paul hold player options in 2017. Both All-Stars are expected to opt out of their current contracts to take advantage of the spike in salary cap, which may push General Manager Doc Rivers to trade one of his stars instead of letting them leave for nothing next summer.
The departure of Kevin Durant has opened a lot of eyes across the league. Losing one of the best players of his generation and receiving nothing in return is harsh but, as Durant showed, very possible. Rivers has made some questionable decisions in his time as GM and losing either Paul or Griffin without receiving anything in return could spell the end of his time at the Clippers. If the Raptors were strongly interested in Griffin, they certainly hold multiple assets that could seal the deal.
The front office could offer a package of Patrick Patterson, DeMarre Carroll & Lucas Nogueira as well as a future 1st round pick, with the ESPN Trade Machine claiming the Raps would benefit from this trade more than their trade partners, in an attempt to entice the Clippers into trading Griffin. Los Angeles have had a major gap to fill in the small forward position for some time and Carroll would offer assurances there. His impact as an elite perimeter defender wouldn’t go amiss in a conference that contains Durant and Kawhi Leonard amongst others while Nogueria would add youth to a team that is spoilt with veteran leadership. Though Patterson is a much better performer off the bench, the Clippers might run the chance that he settles in as a starter, especially with Paul creating shots for him.
The Clippers’ 1st round pick for 2017 actually belongs to Toronto, and LA would definitely be interested in receiving a pick should Griffin be traded. A lack of draft picks in the 1st round have cost Rivers’ team the opportunity to develop youngsters into key role players, with Los Angeles having to resort to free agency to fill out the bench. By offering Nogueira and a pick, the Clippers future would immediately look brighter.
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The signing of Sullinger may be the end of the major offseason activities for the Raptors. Head coach Dwane Casey certainly has a talented roster at his disposal for the season ahead, though the assets and possibilities are most certainly there should Ujiri and his comrades wish to bring a player to Toronto. Would you stick with the current team Raptors fans? Or would you make another move?