Ten Best Trades in Toronto Raptors History
By Go Paolo
4. Lou Williams and Lucas Nogueira from Atlanta for John Salmons and a second-round pick – June 20, 2014
Here is a textbook example of Ujiri making something out of nothing. Salmons was just another throw-in in the Gay deal and was a 35-year-old scorer who hadn’t shot over 40 per cent in four seasons.
Williams was also another scorer albeit younger and more explosive. While he only shot 40 per cent from the field, he averaged a career-high 15.5 points while hitting close to two three-pointers a game in just 25 minutes off the bench.
The highlight of his season came against the LeBron James-led Cavaliers. Williams exploded for a season-high 36 points as he led the Raptors to a 17-point blowout in Cleveland.
He went on to win the Sixth Man of the Year becoming the first Raptor to do so.
Nogueira, better known as “Bebe”, became a decent role player for the Raptors. His best season saw him average 4.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in just 19 minutes of action. He would occasionally start at centre for the Raptors.
As for Salmons, he immediately got cut by the Hawks to save some money. He played one more season in the NBA with the New Orleans Pelicans before getting traded again and calling it a career.