The Toronto Raptors have stormed back into the playoff picture following a 2-8 start, as the likes of Pascal Siakam, Norman Powell, and OG Anunoby helped snap the Raptors out of their offensive funk. With several other Eastern Conference competitors looking to make some additions, the Raptors could be aggressive at the trade deadline.
The Raptors could look to add a backup point guard, as Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet share the floor for heavy minutes, and a new center, as Aron Baynes has been so bad on both ends of the floor that Nick Nurse had to retool his entire lineup and send the veteran Australian big man to the bench.
Unfortunately, the Raptors are not the only team that will be looking to get better. With only a handful of games separating a potential opening playoff series at home and a summer spent watching the postseason at home.
The Raptors have to be wary of division rivals and playoff contenders potentially nabbing one of their trade targets. All three of these rumors are bad news for Toronto.
These 3 trade rumors are bad news for the Raptors
No. 3: Harrison Barnes to Boston
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick (subscription required), the Celtics, currently limping to a .500 record, are interested in adding Barnes. With the Sacramento Kings once again headed for another postseason at home, they could look to trade away some of their veterans and build around the young backcourt of De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton.
While Barnes, who made his name as a role player in Golden State and a featured scorer on the pre-Luka Mavericks, has been toiling away in anonymity in Sacramento, his 15.8 points per game this year and career highs in rebounds (6.2) and assists (3.4) per game show that he’s becoming a more versatile, efficient player than he was early in his career.
Barnes could be a huge boost for Boston, which hurts the Raptors
While Barnes might be a funky fit alongside Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, a smaller lineup that puts Brown on the perimeter, Barnes on the wing, and Tatum down on the block could make life hell for anyone that wants to take down the Celtics. Toronto can’t let Boston and Sacramento consummate this trade.
The Raptors could use a player like Barnes, as his size and shooting ability could make him a game-changing offensive weapon that still has room to grow given his age, If he goes to Boston, not only will a playoff competitor get an automatic 15 points per night from Barnes, but they’ll give themselves a leg up in a crowded playoff chase.