3 Rockets players the Raptors should consider trading for
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors aren’t far away from a postseason spot, and they may need to be in a buying mood if they want to make sure that they will be in the hunt. They could potentially look to add players from a rebuilding team like the Houston Rockets that want draft capital.
The Rockets have Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun in place, but there isn’t a ton else on their roster that profiles as an above-average talent in the NBA. Houston is swimming in picks thanks to the James Harden deal, but they could always look to get even more well-equipped for the future.
The Raptors have some very noteworthy holes that need filling even without most of the roster in the health and safety protocols. The bench lacks both experience and shooting, and the lack of consistency in the post has been one of the main reasons Toronto has often played down to their competition.
If the Rockets decide to sell at the deadline, Masai Ujiri could get on the phone with Rafael Stone and try to poach some of Houston’s best players. These 3 could help the Raptors restock as they try to make the most of their 14-15 start to the season.
The Toronto Raptors could trade for these 3 Houston Rockets.
3. C Daniel Theis
Theis signed a four-year contract in Houston with the goal of forming an elite 1-2 punch with Christian Wood in the frontcourt. After one-third of just one season under Stephen Silas, everyone around the organization seems to realize that playing Wood at center with Sengun spelling him is the best option.
Even with that demotion, Theis could be given a second wind in Toronto. Amid rumors he could be available anyway, a player averaging 8.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game with some quality interior defense might appeal to the Raptors if they are willing to surrender a player like Chris Boucher.
Daniel Theis would help the Toronto Raptors’ rebounding and defense.
Theis’ tenure in Boston showed that he can be a weapon in the postseason against some of the better offensive bigs in the East. As good as Khem Birch has been, Theis has been slightly more productive for a longer period of time, which could get Toronto interested in him.
Theis’ contract might be a bit of an albatross for Houston, but Toronto could fill a major position of need for a per-year number that doesn’t go into eight figures. Theis looks ideal for what the Raptors need, but there will be questions about Houston’s willingness to become a motivated seller.