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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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 11: Allen Crabbe #33 of the Brooklyn Nets talks to his teammates during a huddle in a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 11: Allen Crabbe #33 of the Brooklyn Nets talks to his teammates during a huddle in a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

Brooklyn Nets receive: Serge Ibaka 2019 Raptors 1st round

Toronto Raptors receive: Allen Crabbe, 2019 Knicks 2nd round

Why the Nets say yes:

The bad news for the Brooklyn Nets, they stink. The good news, this year when they stink they will at least receive their own pick. After Danny Ainge fleeced the team for approximately 40 years of draft assets, the Nets can finally start their proper rebuild.

Even without their top own picks to use, the Nets have been quietly accumulating assets when possible over the past couple of years (Toronto’s 2018 draft picks). Acquiring the Raptors pick for the second year in a row helps them continue to build their base.

Serge can also provide mentoring to the team’s starting center Jarrett Allen, without necessarily taking away minutes. Ibaka’s ability to play both center and power-forward, as well as his ability to be liked by at least one teammate, makes him a better fit than Dwight Howard.

Why the Raptors say yes:

In what has become a common theme, the Toronto Raptors trade a traditional big-man for more depth and talent at the wings. Allen Crabbe is a skilled marksman who can let it fly, and although he is not worth his massive contract, he still is a solid player in the league.

Crabbe saw his three-point percentage dip from 44 to 38 percent last season, some of which was unquestionably due to his supporting cast. Surprisingly swapping Damian Lillard for D’Angelo Russell can have a negative impact on raw shooting numbers.

After ranking below league-average in three-point percentage last season, the Raptors will be looking to add shooting in a multitude of ways, Crabbe for Ibaka would be a significant improvement.

Trading a 1st round pick is difficult for Toronto, but adding the Knicks 2nd round softens the blow. The two selections will be approximately 20 spots apart, a significant but not crushing difference.