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The Toronto Raptors panic button has been hit: Who’s on the trade block?

By Jack Long

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 05: Kyle Lowry #7 and Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors talk to an official during the first half of an NBA game against the Houston Rockets at Scotiabank Arena on December 05, 2019 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 - DECEMBER 05: Kyle Lowry #7 and Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors talk to an official during the first half of an NBA game against the Houston Rockets at Scotiabank Arena on December 05, 2019 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) /
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The Toronto Raptors have a 2-8 record and are currently seated as the 2nd last team in the entire NBA.

Nobody saw this coming. The Toronto Raptors just can not find a way to win games. The Raptors are getting impressive at losing. Whether it’d be a pure blowout, a fast start followed by a disastrous second half, or just an absolute choke job; the Raptors are struggling to find their pace.

At 2-8 the Toronto Raptors ‘panic button’ has been hit. The last nail in the coffin would have to be Monday night’s game against the Portland Trailblazers. What looked like an all-season performance by this Raptors team was met by a collapse of epic proportions.

Not everyone can be blamed for this effort, but changes have to be made. Masai Ujiri isn’t the patient type and will not sit around and watch the Toronto Raptors become the mockery of the NBA.

There are a few expiring contracts and veteran players who would be coveted by competitive teams. Let’s take a look at some players who could be on the block if the Toronto Raptors keep up this pace.

Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors vs Spurs (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Aron Baynes – C

The center position has been a disaster for the Toronto Raptors all season. Losing Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol hurt at the moment – but it hurts for real now. Aron Baynes and Alex Len have done zilch at the 5.

Nonetheless, Baynes is a better player than he is displaying right now. After a career year with the Phoenix Suns, hopes were high for the New Zealand big man. Unfortunately, Baynes isn’t meant for the role he was expected to fill for the Toronto Raptors.

Baynes could still be an attractive asset for a competitive team looking for a veteran big man to be a depth forward. Perhaps a different system could help Baynes get back to his 2020 form.

$7million/year isn’t a terrible contract if he can recapture some of that magic. Plus, a team option next season provides flexibility to any interested club.

Raptors fans shouldn’t expect a great return in any move Baynes would be the centrepiece. Whatever he brings back though will be greater than a guy who has failed to crack the rotation in three straight games.

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