February gives rest and home cooking for Toronto Raptors
Potential Moves at the Deadline?
The trade deadline this season is Thursday, February 6 at 3 p.m. EST and the Raptors could be window shopping or even make a deal before it approaches. Now is there a reason for the Raptors to even peruse through potential offers and options? Especially since their team is hitting their stride and a top-two seed in the East? Not really, but it is widely known that team president Masai Ujiri is a man who likes to make moves and gamble occasionally. Even though he might not feel like he needs to make a trade, he will be looking and see if he can get another key piece to make the team even stronger.
The one name that was connected to Toronto in terms of trade talks was Pistons big man, Andre Drummond.
Drummond could definitely help the Raptors on the inside. His youth, rebounding tenacity, and defence inside could be something useful for Toronto. However, if the Raptors want his services, they will likely have to part ways with either Marc Gasol or Serge Ibaka. Both Ibaka and Gasol are on expiring deals while Drummond is on a contract with a player option in the fifth year. The Raptors could see Drummond as a rental and see if he and Pascal Siakam can fit well together. If things work out, they can resign him. But the real question is, does acquiring Drummond increase Toronto’s ceiling?
Even though Ibaka and Gasol are older than Detroit’s 20-20 “machine”, their skills combined are essentially the same as his. Not to mention, they both are considerably better shooters. Now Gasol has been battling injuries so that is something to take into consideration. When Gasol is healthy though, he is still a formidable defender and can be used effectively in pick and roll (or pop) scenarios. The same can be said about Ibaka. With Drummond, he is limited to the paint offensively which can clog up the lane for driving and cutting guards.
Other than the Drummond rumours, it doesn’t seem like the Raptors have their eyes on anybody. It makes sense as they are looking to keep their books as clean as possible for the coveted 2021 free-agent class. They also have to look forward to the future with Fred VanVleet who could get a new contract this offseason. The Raptors are willing to part with their 2020 first-round draft pick, but only if the right trade comes to their doorstep.
With the trade deadline fast approaching, it will be interesting to see what the Toronto Raptors do, if anything. Their team is solid as is and with many of their players on expiring deals, it makes sense for them to not take on any long-term deals. Ujiri made it known that the Raptors are going to “die trying” repeating as champions. If that means making a move or two before the deadline is a matter of wait and see.