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.
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.
Norman Powell – SG
It has been a tough season for Norman Powell. The founding father of this year’s bench sob – Powell has failed to gain any sort of momentum this season.
Much like Aron Baynes, hopes were high for Powell this year after a career 2020 campaign. A guy that looked like he could be competing for the Sixth Man of the Year award is now playing restricted minutes after being called out by Nick Nurse a number of times.
Powell would be a valuable asset in any trade talks as a guy that could bring the energy off the bench or perhaps even starting in a better situation.
A great contract for any interested team at around $11 million/year with two seasons (including this year) left on his deal.
Of all the players mentioned today, the Toronto Raptors may be most inclined to keep Powell because of any combination of his age, remaining term, or value of contract. Those are also all valid reasons he would be intriguing to any interested organization.
Powell may not bring in a ton of assets by himself, but he would be a coveted piece in a potential package deal to land a top-end talent or higher value pieces. Look for Powell to be the first to go if Masai starts wheeling and dealing.
Kyle Lowry – PG
This will always be tough, but if you truly love someone – sometimes you have to let them free.
If the Toronto Raptors continue their losing ways, Masai Ujiri has to do what is best for the team in the long run. What would be best for the organization is to trade the all-star guard to bring in the boatload of assets this franchise would recuperate.
There will always be interest in a talent like Kyle Lowry. His expiring contract should be seen as a great opportunity for any team in win-now mode who doesn’t want to commit big money long-term.
The guard position is the greatest strength for the Raptors at the moment, so there wouldn’t be a huge drop off at the position if Lowry were to be moved. In all honesty, it would be a great chance to either get Norman Powell rolling again – or give a chance to the young guys.
Is anyone truly safe?
If the Toronto Raptors can’t turn this titanic of a ship around, brace yourself for big changes. Masai has always been a risk-taker and isn’t afraid to shake up the NBA world.
Any player on a losing team (or any team in the NBA) should never feel completely safe in their current market. Ask DeMar DeRozan.
The Toronto Raptors still have time to return to the team we expected, but knowing Masai Ujiri – there isn’t much time left.