Toronto Raptors: 3 nightmare Deadline Day scenarios for Toronto
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors rumors have really kicked into high gear over the last few weeks, as Masai Ujiri could potentially trade both Norman Powell and Kyle Lowry, therefore altering the destiny of the NBA as a whole.
The Raptors, however, won’t be the only team trying to give their roster a major facelift, as several teams could look to either shed salary or acquire some new studs in the name of making it to the postseason.
Powell and Lowry are increasingly likely to be moved, as doing so could net the Raptors a boatload of young players and draft picks. On the surface of it, it seems like getting rid of two impending free agents for a new young core would be a huge win. However, there are a few nightmare scenarios that could derail any positive momentum.
If any of these realities end up materializing, the Raptors should get concerned, as it means that they would leave the deadline in worse shape than when they started.
These 3 Trade Deadline moves would ruin the Toronto Raptors
Raptors scenario No. 1: Andre Drummond goes to the New York Knicks
Drummond was challenging for the league lead in rebounds before the Cleveland Cavaliers decided to put him on ice until they found a trade partner. When the Raptors were winning, the thought of a powerful big man like Drummond fixing their rebounding issues made the two almost a natural pairing.
However, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer is reporting that Drummond is actually being targeted by the New York Knicks, who will lock horns with Toronto plenty in years to come. If the Knicks get Drummond, and find some way to keep him around long-term, the Raptors could be in for a world of hurt.
Andre Drummond would help the Knicks and hurt the Raptors
The Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers will have the division on lock for the next few years, meaning that the yardsticks the Raptors will measure themselves against are the Knicks and Boston Celtics. With the Knicks a bit ahead of schedule in their rebuild, anything that makes them a more feared presence in the conference could be destabilizing for Toronto.
Over the last few years, the Knicks could be four or five easy wins Toronto could check before the season even starts. If they get Drummond, Toronto could finish last in the division this year and the next.