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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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 25: Delon Wright #55 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Ty Lawson #4 of the Washington Wizards defends during the second half of Game Five in Round One of the 2018 NBA playoffs at Air Canada Centre on April 25, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)”n
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 25: Delon Wright #55 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Ty Lawson #4 of the Washington Wizards defends during the second half of Game Five in Round One of the 2018 NBA playoffs at Air Canada Centre on April 25, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)”n /

Chicago Bulls receive: Delon Wright, Norman Powell

Toronto Raptors receive: 2020 Bulls 2nd round pick, 2021 1st round swap rights

Why the Bulls say yes:

At this time, Chicago has no real back-up point guard to Kris Dunn. Delon Wright gives the team an instant upgrade at the position, while also providing the ability to play off-ball. Opposing point guards would dread 48 minutes of Dunn and Wright harassing them, while pairing the two together wouldn’t be an easier for offenses.

Norman Powell at his current deal appears to be overpaid and with four years remaining taking on his contract is a risk, but for a team as down as Chicago, it’s a risk they should be willing to take. Powell still has the potential to be worth at least close to the contract extension he signed.

Why the Raptors say yes:

More on this later.

Indiana Pacers receive: Delon Wright, Norman Powell

Toronto Raptors receive: 2020 Pacers 2nd round pick, 2021 1st round swap rights

Why the Pacers say yes:

Indiana has Corey Joseph at the back-up point guard position, an adequate role for a player of his caliber. But Indiana also needs to begin to imagine life after Darren Collision. The veteran point guard is 30 years old and will be on the last year of his contract this upcoming season.

Acquiring Delon Wright gives Indiana a cheap backup for one season, then a player who can move into the starting role. He also will have an extremely low cap-hold during the summer of 2019 when Indiana might attempt to go big-game hunting for a superstar.

Powell is not a great fit for the team, but he does provide an interesting contrast to Bojan Bogdanovic. He is a gamble just as he was for the Bulls, but with few free agents available this offseason, he is worth the risk for Wright.

Why the Raptors say yes:

Cap Space both now and for the future. Shedding Norman Powell’s contract will help the team in its pursuit of Fred VanVleet, a goal that should be high-priority if not priority one this offseason. There is a chance of Powell righting the ship and earning his bloated contract, it’s just not a good bet at this time.

Meanwhile Wright has a very manageable contract for next season. However, it lasts only for one more year. With more cap-space available in 2019, it’s not unreasonable to expect Wright to demand $10-12 million when he does hit the market.

If the team wants to re-sign Fred VanVleet and keep Kyle Lowry, it’s hard to find a way to fit Wright under the cap.