You play GM: Decide the fate of the Toronto Raptors offseason
Jrue Holiday
With Anthony Davis no longer on the roster, it makes sense that Jrue Holiday would become available. The Pelicans are heading towards a clear rebuild, and at 28-years-old, Holiday doesn’t exactly fit that timeline.
The only reaming asset who might not be a part of the rebuild is Jrue Holiday. The Pelicans will need to hit a home run with Holiday in order to help build around star prospect Zion Williamson.
With another two full years on his deal (along with a player option), the Pelicans don’t need to trade Holiday this offseason. They can wait until the deadline or even next offseason if they believe it will return them a greater haul.
Still, the more time he has with his next team, the more value he provides them. Their greatest return probably comes from trading him now. The Raptors can offer the Pelicans some talented young players to fit around Zion, future picks to acquire talent, and even some salary cap relief.
The negotiation starts with OG Anunoby and will build from there.
OG Anunoby is a talented young player with an extremely high ceiling. Giving him up, particularly after a down year when his value has dropped a bit, hurts, but it’s the only choice the Raptors have.
If you want to get All-Star quality players, you have to be willing to give up real value. Toronto can’t make a competitive offer without OG.
Why it makes sense for the Pelicans
- OG Anunoby – Best young asset Toronto has
- Serge Ibaka – Expiring contract, needed for salary matching purposes. Wizards would be able to flip for an additional asset if they’re willing to take on money in additional years.
- 2020 1st round pick – Unprotected.
- 2022 1st round pick – Unprotected. This pick could become valuable if Kawhi decides to sign a short-term deal with the Raptors. 2022 is projected to be the league’s first year with eligible high school prospects, making the pick more valuable than typical years.
- Norman Powell – If the Pelicans views Norman Powell as a negative contract, he doesn’t need to be included. If they want him, however, the Raptors will have to throw him in.
But does this make sense for the Raptors? You decide.