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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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CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 03: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 03: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

2. The Toronto Raptors need someone in the frontcourt

If the Raptors make  The frontcourt player that they need in particular is a center or a big man who can play either the power forward position, the center position, or both.

It’s an important need for the Toronto Raptors since day one of the season. Aron Baynes was supposed to be the guy that handles the center position, especially when Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol both left in free agency. Baynes played horribly for most of the season. He had some glimpse of great moments, but he is still a disappointment.

The focus should be to find a replacement for Baynes. Luckily for the Raptors, there are a couple of names on the trading block that are a big man. Those players are Andre Drummond, JaVale McGee, LaMarcus Aldridge, Tristian Thompson, and John Collins.

Tristian Thompson is a name that Toronto is interested in. Thompson would love to play for his hometown team. It would cost the Raptors Baynes, either Flynn, Matt Thomas, or Terrence Davis, and a second-round pick to get Thompson, but he makes a ton of sense.

Will LaMarcus Aldridge work for the Toronto Raptors?

Aldridge is a player that Toronto was interested in 2015.He can help out on the offensive end, but not so much on the defensive end. They need help on the defensive end, specifically in the frontcourt. So, Aldridge is not worth trading for since he has that $ 24 million contract, and it would take giving up a core player to make a trade.

JaVale McGee is a guy that can do what the Raptors need which is rebounding and a defensive presence. It would take Baynes and a second round to get McGee, so I think it is worth it to trade for him.

Andre Drummond is what they need but since his contract is around $ 28 million, they don’t have the assets to get him unless Toronto gives up Norman Powell which I don’t see that happening. The only way they can get him is if he’s bought out so they could sign him.