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Toronto Raptors: 3 long shots worth trading for at deadline

By Stephen Nixon

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 17: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic shoots over Taj Gibson #67 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Amway Center on February 17, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 17: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic shoots over Taj Gibson #67 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Amway Center on February 17, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 28: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 28: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Blake Griffin

Griffin may be available through a buy-out, but at this current state, a trade would be needed to acquire the six-time All-Star. Injuries have limited Griffin throughout his career and although nobody would expect him to win an NBA Dunk Contest anytime soon, he can still be a valuable asset. In the right situation and role, Griffin had a lot to offer.

If you’re looking for Lob-City Blake Griffin to dominate the floor, then you’re dreaming. Instead, Griffin can still bring a solid post-up game and make a few three-pointers every night. It used to be a joke when Griffin would attempt a shot beyond the arc, but over the past three seasons, he’s averaging two made triples per night.

Griffin could be worth the money for the Raptors

The biggest problem that comes with acquiring this player is his contract. Currently making $36M per season, Griffin has a player option worth $38M next year, that he would be crazy not to accept.

Obviously, that money is obscene, but in a perfect situation, Griffin could provide some value. Ever since he was moved to Detroit, he’s been looked at as the primary scoring option. Although his salary would suggest that he should get the ball more often than any other teammate, that’s not the type of player he is anymore.

He would benefit from being the second or third scoring option, which is where he would fit with the Raptors. Griffin’s rebounding numbers have dropped over the past few seasons, but he’s been a double-digit rebounder before. If he bought into being a reserve, he’d be a great option as the Raptors primary rebounder and someone who can provide 10 points per night.