Raptors: Insane price for potential Cavs trade target should rule out acquisition

The Toronto Raptors might end up doing some deals with the Cleveland Cavaliers around the trade deadline, as Toronto interest in the mighty Andre Drummond could be a quick way to improve their rebounding. If they don’t get Drummond, Larry Nance Jr. might end up as a raptor by the end of the deadline.

Nance is scoring 9.3 points and pulling down 6.8 rebounds per game, but the emergence of Jarrett Allen could end up forcing Nance out of town at the deadline. After a strong start, Cleveland’s regression proved to GM Koby Altman that this team is building for the future.

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reports that even though the Cavaliers don’t have any untouchables, Allen, Darius Garland, and Collin Sexton remain the core of this team. While this statement could mean Nance is on the move, Altman’s asking price is simply outrageous.

Fedor is reporting that Altman has turned down offers that include multiple first-round picks for Nance despite the fact that several big players are interested in him. While the Raptors could use a player like Nance, giving away control of their draft for two straight seasons would be a horrendous investment.

The Raptors need to avoid Larry Nance Jr.

Nance’s father is one of the greatest players in Cavaliers history, even having his No. 22 retired before his son ended up back in Cleveland. The connection to the franchise has made Nance a fan favorite.

Altman joked that he would have to include himself in any Nance deal, citing the backlash he would get from fans. Still, everyone has a breaking point, and a ridiculous offer of picks would be enough to get some contenders interested.

While Nance is smaller than most centers on the market, he seems to have inherited his ability to sky to the rim from Dad, making him able of playing much taller than his listed height. While he could be a quality rebounder and paint scorer for the raptors, all the while possessing a solid 3-point shot, that asking price is much too dear

If the Raptors can somehow get the stubborn Altman to give up Drummond or Taurean Prince without giving up tons of draft capital, they should try to make it work. However, if the Cavs want a package involving multiple firsts for Nance, Masai Ujiri would be much better served shopping elsewhere in order to find some upgrades.