Toronto Raptors: 3 former players who should return via trade

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Toronto Raptors – Jonas Valanciunas (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Jonas Valanciunas

Did anyone else watch Valanciunas put up a 27-point, 20-rebound night against the Raptors on February 8 and think, “Man, I miss the big man?” The former fifth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft was a fan-favorite and someone who has been remembered fondly after he left.

Although he was traded to Memphis alongside Wright, C.J. Miles and a second-round pick for a better player in Marc Gasol, it was tough to see him leave. The one issue with Valanciunas. and the main reason why he was eventually dealt, was his defense. However, he’s become a very impressive rebounder and post defender with the Grizzlies.

Could Valanciunas return to the Raptors?

One of the other issues with Valanciunas’s play as a Raptor was that he wasn’t a playmaker or three-point threat. He was a traditional centre who could only score near the rim. However, during the last few years in Memphis, he’s averaging roughly 1.5 more assists per game and is actually attempting one three-pointer per night.

It’s not much, but it’s progress and improvement. Valanciunas will have to continue to develop in those areas since the NBA has essentially gotten rid of the old-school centre position.

It’s kind of funny that Valanciunas is evolving into the player that he got traded for. Gasol was a great playmaker and someone who could scare opponents twice a night by shooting a three-pointer to keep them honest. He isn’t quite at Gasol’s level, but he’s slowly getting there.

After spending seven seasons in Toronto, the fans would love to see Valanciunas return, but more importantly, he would be a great fit on this current roster that is trying to get back to the playoffs. With Jaren Jackson Jr. coming back, Gorgui Dieng’s contract tough to move off, and Xavier Tillman emerging, the Grizzlies could trade Valanciunas back to Toronto.