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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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SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 9: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic faces off against Vince Carter #15 of the Sacramento Kings on March 9, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 9: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic faces off against Vince Carter #15 of the Sacramento Kings on March 9, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic receive: Norman Powell, Raptors 2019 2nd round pick

Toronto Raptors receive: Jonathon Simmons

Why the Magic say yes:

Congratulations to the Orlando Magic for one sensible contract on the books. Simmons is signed to a three-year $20 million dollar deal with a $1 million guarantee in the final year. With defensive chops and a crafty scoring ability, Simmons is a solid value.

He also is 28 years-old with a contract that will expire prior to the Magic being relevant. Trading for Powell gives the team a high ceiling swing-man that can be a part of the team’s core if things pan out correctly.

Due to the risk/length of Powell’s contract (4 years) the Magic receive a second round pick.

Why the Raptors say yes:

It’s hard to argue anything other than Simmons being an upgrade over Norman Powell. Simmons is a better defender, scorer, and smarter player at this point. Nurse wants to improve the team’s defense and adding a savy-vet from the Spurs organization will help the team do so.

Simmons’ deal also lines up perfectly with the team’s timeline. With two years remaining, Simmons will allow the team to compete with its veteran core, while clearing the deck for the young guys after two seasons.