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Raptors have top deal-maker ever in house: Masai Ujiri’s 5 best trades

By Brian Boake

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 20: A close up shot of the Toronto Raptors logo on their shorts during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on December 20, 2013 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 2013 NBAE (Photo by Danny Bollinger/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 20: A close up shot of the Toronto Raptors logo on their shorts during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on December 20, 2013 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 2013 NBAE (Photo by Danny Bollinger/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 8: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball as Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on April 8, 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)
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 8: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball as Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on April 8, 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) /

Dateline: February 14, 2017

Serge Ibaka had established himself as a NBA player with a number of successful seasons in Oklahoma City. He received the tagline “Death to flying things” for his ferocious shot-blocking, leading the league in that per-game stat for two straight seasons.

Serge was (and is) much more than a one-trick pony. He’s averaged no fewer than 12.6 points per game in his last six seasons.

Meanwhile, the Raptors had been waiting, and waiting, for Terrence Ross to finally figure out how to consistently take advantage of his astonishing athleticism. Masai showed in this trade, and more recently in dealing DeRozan, that he won’t wait forever. He moved Terrence for Ibaka, who had struggled since arriving in Orlando in an off-season trade.

While the deal was criticized at the time for being a rental, Masai enjoyed the last laugh. Serge re-signed with the Raptors in the summer of 2017, and has two more years to run on his deal.

Terrence blew out his knee and missed much of last season. We hope he returns to form. Even if he does, the Raptors won the deal. The power forward position has been a weakness for far too long, but with Serge there (and also able to step in at center), we should be good for some time.

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