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Toronto Raptors: 3 reasons to make a trade at NBA trade deadline

By Pirasanth Gunasekaram

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 04: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics dribbles while guarded by Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on March 4, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 04: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics dribbles while guarded by Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on March 4, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Toronto Raptors have until a week to decide whether to make a trade or not. Their decision affects their chances of making the playoffs this year, as selling could be taking as a sign of waiving the white flag.

The Raptors could decide to sell off some assets in order to build for the future, but they are still within striking distance of the postseason, which should convince Masai Ujiri that Toronto is one or two pieces away from making some noise.

There’s lots of time between now and March 25 to make a trade, and I’m sure there is a couple of reasons not to make a trade before the deadline. However, I believe Toronto should make a trade before 3 pm on March 25.

The Toronto Raptors need to make something happen at the deadline

Nick Nurse, Toronto Raptors
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – MARCH 17: Head coach Nick Nurse of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

No. 1: The Raptors need to shake this roster up for the postseason charge

The Raptors are 11th in the East with a 17-23 record, and losers of six games in a row. Because of that, they are in the current situation that they’re facing right now. It doesn’t help that the Raptors do not have Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Fred VanVleet, Malachi Flynn, and Patrick McCaw.

And the East is wide open this season, more than ever before. The three teams that are a lock in the East are the Brooklyn Nets, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Milwaukee Bucks. The final five spots are wide open and there are about eight teams that are fighting to get this spot.

In any other year, the playoffs are only for the top eight teams in each conference. This year is different given the play-in tournament for the No. 7 and No. 8 seed.

One trade could change the Toronto Raptors’ plans

That means the Raptors still have a chance to make the playoffs. Once they got everyone back, they can. But that’s only if they make a trade. The team that is currently set up has its ups and downs so far this season. If they get someone at the tradeline, they can be the missing piece for the Raptors to make the playoffs.

Look at the 2014-15 Boston Celtics when they traded for Isaiah Thomas. They were a rebuilding team until they got Thomas. He brought them to the playoffs that year. And after that season, they were a championship-contending team every year. Bringing some new blood in might be the shot in the arm this team needs.