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2 bold trades that make the Toronto Raptors contenders in 2022

By Jason Mills

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 25: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 25: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Bradley Beal, Toronto Raptors
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 16: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

Toronto Raptors trade No. 1: Toronto gets Bradley Beal

This deal sacrifices a point guard that Toronto believed in, as they brought him back on a four-year contract, but this trade does two major things. First and foremost, it allows the Raptors to add one of the unquestioned best players in the game in Beal, who has helped, in tandem with Russell Westbrook, carry a lackluster roster.

Either opposing shooters have an easy time shooting over the Raptors tandem of VanVleet and Kyle Lowry, but also, teammates feel the need to help their smallish guards leaving open shooters for opposing ball handlers to find. The second key factor is Beal is a true superstar, something the current Raptors’ roster is missing.

This trade must be finalized on August 8, as Boucher’s 2021 money becomes guaranteed three days after the league’s moratorium expires.

Beal is the star Toronto hasn’t had since Kawhi Leonard left in 2019.

Beal is a bonafide top-notch scorer in the NBA and is a three-time All-Star. He averaged 31.3 points per game on 48.5% shooting overall. Beal did play in 60 of Washington’s 72 games in 2021.

Before John Wall got traded away to the Houston Rockets, Beal proved he can play either guard position effectively as he spent most of 2019-2020 tasked with primary ball-handling duties while Wall recuperated from an Achilles injury.

Is Beal available for trade?

Beal previously has resisted entertaining leaving the Wizards but has a decision to make. He could sign a four-year deal worth $181 million that will pay him over $45 million a season, or wait until next summer and sign a super-max deal at five years and $235 million. Should he reject Washington’s offers, his services may be available in trade.

According to hoopshype.com:

"“Bradley Beal, who has to make a decision of his own the next couple weeks if he wants to sign that extension with Washington. If he doesn’t, that’s tantamount to a trade request and he can become available."

Losing Boucher in this deal is a sentimental luxury that has to be suppressed, keeping in mind the goal is to build a winner. While he has progressed exceptionally well with the Raptors through his Raptors 905 G-League experience from 2018 to now, he is 28 years old, and players like Beal rarely are up for acquisition.

Also, losing at least two first-round picks would be harmful to future attempts to retool or restock the roster. Still, sometimes you need to take big risks like this to set yourself apart, and Beal would warrant giving up picks like that.