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.
No. 2: Victor Oladipo to New York
Marc Berman of the New York Post is reporting that the Knicks, interested in potentially adding a star with a higher ceiling than Derrick Rose, are eying Oladipo in a trade. While the Knicks will compete for a playoff spot thanks to their impenetrable defense, but they need someone with a bit more juice on the offensive end.
Oladipo, who became an All-Star with the Indiana Pacers, ended up with the Houston Rockets after Indiana acquired Caris LeVert in the James Harden deal. Oladipo is a free agent that Masai Ujiri could look to chase in the coming weeks.
Oladipo could give the Knicks a boost on offense and kill the Raptors
Not only could Oladipo give the Knicks a perimeter scorer that can both handle the ball and create his own shot, but he could potentially be enticed to return when he hits the free-agent market. Even though the Raptors might not have the assets needed to entice Houston into trading him, they need to make sure that Oladipo going to the Knicks doesn’t derail their playoff push.
While the Raptors can feel comfortable about their ability to outscore the Knicks, adding one of the game’s best perimeter defenders and outside shooters in Oladipo could completely change things. Toronto might need to overpay for him if it means that it keeps out of orange and blue this season.
No. 1: Andre Drummond to…everyone except Toronto
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported that Drummond, who has been incessantly linked to Toronto given their need to upgrade over Baynes at center, is being discussed with 8-10 teams. While Drummond’s style of play on offense is starting to go the way of the dinosaur, he clearly has value in this league.
Drummond is averaging 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game, establishing that he is still one of the game’s best old-school centers in the game. It doesn’t take a genius to see how he’ll help the Raptors, who need someone to help on the glass.
Drummond would be perfect for the Raptors
Drummond might not have the most varied offensive game, but he can be trusted to hoover up rebounds on the interior, finish off close looks, and play solid interior defense. While Baynes can provide some quality defense, they are on completely different planets with regards to their offensive abilities.
Drummond is being courted by basically every team with a shot at contending this year. Toronto has to jump right to the front of the queue and secure his services.