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Toronto Raptors hold intriguing trade chip in Delon Wright

By Gavin Axelrod

Toronto Raptors - Delon Wright (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors - Delon Wright (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Nobody is untouchable on the Toronto Raptors this summer. Delon Wright, a young and inexpensive point guard could be moved in the coming months

Delon Wright is a budding young point guard stuck in a bit of an awkward situation. All-Star Kyle Lowry sits ahead of him in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet, serves as Toronto’s primary floor general off the bench.

The Toronto Raptors may strongly consider moving the 26 year-old this summer. Wright will carry a cap hit of $2.5 million in 2018-19 and will have a $3.6 million dollar qualifying offer for 2019-2020. If issued the qualifying offer, Wright will become a restricted free agent.

A bargain contract accompanied by his ideal age makes the former Utah Ute an intriguing trade candidate. There are a couple of options in which the Raptors could approach a potential deal.

Option 1: Trade For Draft Pick(s)

The Raptors are without a pick in this year’s draft, and while first-round picks are like gold nuggets in this loaded 2018 class, Wright could likely net the Raptors one or more second-round picks.

A comparable situation would be that of Phoenix Suns point guard Elfrid Payton. Phoenix acquired Payton from Orlando at the trade deadline in exchange for a second pick. The-24 year old will be an RFA this summer however, it is a very similar rental point guard situation.

Here is a breakdown of the numbers between the two from this past season:

Elfrid Payton: 12.7 ppg, 6.2 apg, 16.90 PER, 28.8 MPG

Delon Wright: 8.0 ppg, 2.9 apg, 16.49 PER, 20.8 MPG

A big takeaway here is that although Payton averaged almost nine more minutes than Wright they both have similar Player Efficiency Ratings(PER). Also, Wright has 28 games of Postseason experience whereas Payton has none.

The second part of this scenario requires us to examine which teams have one or more second-round picks. Then we must find the best fit.

Teams with multiple second round picks 2018:

  • Phoenix Suns: Picks #31 and #59(via Raptors)
  • Dallas Mavericks: Picks #34 and #54(via Portland)
  • Philadelphia 76ers: Picks #38 (via Nets),#39(via Knicks),  #56, and #60(via Rockets)
  • Orlando Magic: Picks #35 and #41(via Hornets)
  • Brooklyn Nets: Picks #40 (via Lakers) and #45(via Bucks)
  • Denver Nuggets: Picks #43(via Clippers) and #58(via Warriors)
  • Oklahoma City Thunder: Picks #53 and #57(via Celtics)

At first glance one team that holds multiple second rounders that Wright would be a fit for is Oklahoma City. The Thunder seem unlikely to re-sign 33-year old Raymond Felton. Acquiring Wright would be an influx of youth.

On the Raptors side this trade seems a bit suspect. Sure, Toronto would acquire two second-round picks however, unless there are two players management absolutely loves, selecting from #53 and #57 is never a sure thing.  Raptors management could also attempt to package both picks and turn it into a first round pick as well.

An even better deal for the Raptors to pursue would be for Orlando’s 41st overall pick. The Magic currently have point guards Shelvin Mack and D.J. Augustin on their roster. Both players are under contract with Orlando. However, adding Wright could open up the door for the team to move one of its floor generals.

Both deals would allow Toronto a little more wiggle room when it comes to re-singing Fred VanVleet.

Option 2: Wait And See How Fred VanVleet Situation Plays Out

Fred VanVleet is going to get a massive raise this summer. There is two ways this can play out. First, the 24-year old accepts Toronto’s offer and does not look elsewhere or, another team offers him a large amount of money that the Raptors cannot match.

A potential Delon Wright trade likely hinges on the return or departure of Fred VanVleet. If the 24-year old returns, than Wright will be one of Toronto’s top trade pieces.

Next: Chances of each Raptor returning next season

There are many teams that would welcome the services of an established young point guard. The smartest move here would be for the Raptors to hold off on dealing Wright until they get their contract situations sorted. However, Toronto may end up receiving an offer they cannot refuse.

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