Raptors: 3 trades with Atlantic Division rivals that could help Toronto
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors need to keep all of their options open as they get ready for the Trade Deadline, and it would be foolish for Masai Ujiri to simply check teams off as potential trade partners. Even Toronto’s Atlantic Division rivals could give them an enticing return.
The Raptors are currently in the postseason, but they are in last in the division. The New York Knicks have one of the best defenses in the league, the Boston Celtics have plenty of star power, and the Philadelphia 76ers are fighting it out with the Brooklyn Nets for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Raptors could either give one of the top dogs a stud that could net Toronto a boatload of players and picks, or they could try to sell some of their depth in order to pry one stud away from their rivals.
Interdivision trades between contenders are rare at this time of year, but Toronto should at least ask around and see what their rivals are doing at the deadline.
These 3 Atlantic Division trades could give the Raptors a solid return
Trade No. 1: The Raptors get Tristan Thompson from the Boston Celtics
Thompson is not only a native Canadian, but he was born in Toronto. Coming home could be a very interesting proposition for Thompson, as he is facing some declining playing time in Boston despite the fact that he just signed a two-year, $19 million contract in the offseason.
The emergence of Robert Williams, the development of fellow first-round pick Grant Williams, and the solid defense of Daniel Theis could all potentially eat away at his playing time. Rather than let their expensive signing become relegated to backup work, Boston could get some spare parts from the Raptors in exchange for him.
How would Tristan Thompson help the Raptors?
Thompson is averaging 7.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Even though he isn’t having the best offensive season ever, he is provably better than Aron Baynes on the glass and in the low post and he could work wonders for Toronto if he made the trip back to his native country and started for Nick Nurse.
Davis could try to find his mojo once again in Boston, while Baynes returns to a coach in Brad Stevens that got the most out of him during his stint with the Celtics. While they will surrender another pick, as doing so might get Danny Ainge interested, the pick could easily return to them if they bottom out.