Raptors: 2 trades Toronto could make for Harrison Barnes

Toronto Raptors trade idea No. 2: A three-team deal that nets the Raptors a pick

Trading Lowry is still a very real possibility, and the Raptors could recoup a first-round pick if they pull off this trade with Sacramento and Denver. Lowry would be Denver’s point guard as they look to compete in the West, while tertiary scorers Will Barton and Gary Harris would replace Barnes’ production with the Kings.

Toronto, meanwhile, would add an inside-out threat in Barnes and a veteran stretch big that can rise up from three in Bjelica. Toronto should insist on draft capital coming their way in any Lowry trade, and Denver could be enticed to part with a first-rounder in this deal.

Why would the Raptors do this trade?

Trading Lowry could be a painful Band-Aid to rip off, but this trade could send him to a contender in Denver that could start him at point guard while moving Jamal Murray to shooting guard. Being able to recoup a first-round pick from a Nuggets team that will have to compete in a crowded Western Conference could end up being a smashing success.

Toronto would get a 6-10 sharpshooter in Bjelica that has started to pick it up again after being exiled to the bench. With a 6-8, strong wing in Barnes lining up at the small forward spot, a lineup that puts VanVleet at point guard, Powell and Barnes at the wing, and the Anunoby-Siakam tag team down low, opposing coaches will be up all night trying to slow them down.