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 – MARCH 09: Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball against the Indiana Pacers in the second half of a game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 9, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 112-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 09: Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball against the Indiana Pacers in the second half of a game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 9, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 112-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Hawks receive: Ian Mahinmi, Tomas Satoransky, 2019 Raptors 2nd round pick, 2022 Wizards 2nd round pick

Washington Wizards receive: Serge Ibaka

Toronto Raptors receive: Kent Bazemore

Why the Hawks say yes:

The Atlanta Hawks were not good last season. With a rookie backcourt and trade rumors circling their best player, Dennis Schroeder, they might be even worse next season. When you aren’t contending in the NBA, its best to be in asset accumulation mode.

It appears the Hawks have already received this memo, trading down from three in the draft for a lightly protected 2019 Dallas Mavericks pick.

Atlanta gives up on a large, overpriced contract only to receive a worse deal in return. The sweetener for the Hawks is the two second round picks, as well as, Tomas Satoransky. Satoransky can play the point or off the ball, and while he does have some shooting deficiencies, his backcourt mates can cover him in that regard.

Why the Wizards say yes:

Earlier this week, the Wizards traded Marcin Gortat for Austin Rivers. It was a well welcomed exit for Marcin Gortat, who had been publicly bickering with star point guard John Wall for some time now.

The trade did leave Washington without a starting center. Unfortunately, Ian Mahimni is never the solution. You know who would be a major upgrade to Mahimni and even Gortat himself? Serge Ibaka.

As disgruntled as Raptors fans are with Ibaka, he still provides quality rim-protection and spaces the floor offensively. He also is a MAJOR upgrade over Mahimni. Washington improves immediately while giving up only Satoransky, who had a hard time earning minutes last postseason, and a future 2nd round pick. Judging by the three-second round picks they have already given up, it’s safe to say they aren’t valued very highly in Washington.

Why the Raptors say yes:

Since being hired to the head position, Nick Nurse has repeatedly mentioned “modernizing the team.” That is code for playing small and more shooting. Swapping Bazemore for Ibaka does both of those things.

With a roster overload of traditional bigs, trading Ibaka would open up minutes to more unconventional lineups. A trade involving Bazemore would provide the Raptors with the ability to go small, playing OG or C.J. Miles at the power forward.

Pascal Siakam instantly would slide into the starting power forward spot, a role he appears to be ready for now after a couple of years of seasoning.

If Nurse really does want to modernize the team, trading Ibaka for Bazemore would be a huge step in the right direction.