Raptors Rapture
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 11
Next
DETROIT, MI – APRIL 9: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors on April 9, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – APRIL 9: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors on April 9, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Detroit Pistons receive: Jakob Poeltl

Toronto Raptors receive: Stanley Johnson

Why the Pistons say yes:

Its time for the Pistons to move on from Stanley Johnson. The third-year player has been a disappointment for the franchise since his selection and while he may one day become a good player, it doesn’t look like its going to happen in Detroit.

With a new coach and new regime, Johnson’s success/failure is no longer an indictment on the front office, making it more likely for the team to move on from the former lotto-pick.

Jakob Poeltl provides the team with a solid back-up big. Henry Ellenson is never the answer and Jon Leuer’s contract continues to look worse every day (Tolliver is a good player but is also 33). Poeltl provides a smart and consistent presence that can compliment Blake Griffin well. Poeltl hits enough of a mid-range to give a Drummond/Poeltl a shot, granted it may not last long.

Why the Raptors say yes:

Wings, Wings, Wings. It’s all the NBA wants and it’s something Toronto should look to acquire this offseason at all costs. If Nurse is going to modernize the Toronto Raptors, he needs to have the proper pieces to do so.

While it’s true Johnson hasn’t lived up to expectations, sometimes a change in scenery can spark a development jump for a player. Johnson is big, strong, and looks like a mack-truck driving through the lane. If he is able to get his three-point percentage to at least 37-percent from the corner, he will be well worth the investment. If he isn’t there is still some hope as an undersized power-forward who can switch across multiple positions.