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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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CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 05: George Hill #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers tries to get a second half shot off past Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 5, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 105-103 to take a 3-0 series lead. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 05: George Hill #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers tries to get a second half shot off past Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 5, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 105-103 to take a 3-0 series lead. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Cavaliers receive: Kyle Lowry

Toronto Raptors receive: George Hill, Cedi Osman, 2021 1st round pick (Lottery protected)

Why the Cavs say yes:

If LeBron comes back to the Cavs, it will be all-hands on deck for 2019. James is not a patient guy, at least in team building, and he will want to see the team improve immediately. Coincidentally, Kyle Lowry fits the mold of a LeBron James point guard almost perfectly.

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With three-point shooting, defensive responsibility, and high basketball IQ, it’s hard to find a player more well suited to play alongside the King.

Perhaps the most important factor in this deal, the Cavaliers don’t have to give up Collin Sexton. Not because he will play alongside LeBron, but because he is the best trade asset they have left. Acquiring an all-star point guard without giving up your only significant asset is a coup for the Cavaliers.

Why the Raptors say yes:

George Hill is much maligned for his contract and for good reason. With an annual salary of $19 million, it’s hard to argue Hill is not overpaid. However after this season, Hill is owed just $1 million in guaranteed salaries. Hill is essentially an expiring contract, and for what it is worth, is still a solid player.

Cedi Osman has become a cult hero in Cleveland. The Turkish win is just 23 years-old, plays hard and can shoot the rock. He has shown enough flashes during his first year to be intriguing, if nothing else.

Osman and Hill are solid, but to give up an all-star point guard Toronto will need a sweetener. A protected 2021 pick that may not convey until 2023 is not ideal, but with Cleveland’s current pick situation, there are few other options.

Next: Chances of each Raptor returning next season

Of course this is all a fun exercise. Toronto will likely make on or two trades, if any at all. Still, with value across the league, they should have their radars up.