Raptors Rapture
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Hypothetical Raptors trade with every team: Eastern Conference edition

By Mike Bossetti

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 19: Semi Ojeleye #37 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 19: Semi Ojeleye #37 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 10: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets is seen during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 10, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 10: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets is seen during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 10, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Charlotte Hornets receive: Serge Ibaka

Toronto Raptors receive: Nicolas Batum

Why the Hornets say yes:

It’s no secret that the Charlotte Hornets are trying to move on from money. With rumors circulating around Kemba Walker they may be trying to move on from winning as well. Luckily for the Hornets, this trade helps the team do both.

Ibaka is not quite the player of Nicolas Batum, but with one fewer year on his contract, his value might be higher. Charlotte is not going to win significantly anytime soon, so to free up cap-space one year sooner is significant.

Trading for Ibaka also allows the team to clear the way for rookie Miles Bridges. Bridges and Batum have a significant overlap in skill-sets and both are most well equipped to play small forward.

Why the Raptors say yes:

A bold move, trading for Batum would suggest Toronto believes their current core can compete. Batum would likely start, shifting OG Anunoby to the power-forward position, but could be an even more intriguing option as a “Super Sixth-Man”.

Batum is 6’8″ with a tight handle. He often ran backup point-guard in Charlotte when Kemba Walker left the game and could player a similar role in Toronto, if Fred VanVleet is offered a contract Toronto does not feel it can reasonably match.

Defensively, Batum is not what he once was. Longer in the tooth, Batum doesn’t bring a fire to the defensive side of the ball game-in, game-out. However when engaged, Batum’s length can be overwhelming to ball-handlers. During a playoff series when the stakes are high and Batum is locked in, watch-out.