Constructing the perfect Toronto Raptors trade deadline in 2022
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors are poised for a very active, productive trade deadline. With a recent winning streak putting them firmly in the postseason hunt, Masai Ujiri could look to potentially make some trades to fortify the roster. Players like Goran Dragic and Chris Boucher could be on the move.
The Raptors are back in the postseason hunt due to their hot start in 2022, which could prompt Ujiri to aggressively plug up these frontcourt holes. Toronto has plenty of in-division competition nipping at their heels, which could serve as the motivating factor Ujiri needs.
Even with the Nets and 76ers a few tiers above Toronto at the moment, the Raptors are positioned slightly above a pair of playoff teams from last year in the Celtics and Knicks. Inactivity from Toronto is a good way to make sure those two teams catch fire and usurp the Raptors in the standings.
The Raptors will need a few lucky breaks to go their way if they want to be positioned for a deep postseason run. If Ujiri is opportunistic enough to make trades and some of their rivals slip up, Toronto could get the shot in the arm they need to stay hot going into the postseason.
What would the perfect Toronto Raptors trade deadline look like?
1. Toronto trades Goran Dragic and gets a first-round pick
Why would the Raptors look to recoup a pick like this for Dragic? Well, considering that players like PJ Tucker have warranted the same compensation, some contender desperate enough to acquire a proven veteran scorer off of the bench. They might meet Toronto’s asking price.
Dragic may have only played in five games this season (and looked out of sorts while doing so), but there will be a market for a player with years of experience contributing to a winning franchise in Miami. A pick near the end of the first round this year or next season could come Toronto’s way.
The Toronto Raptors need to trade Goran Dragic.
The reason Dragic, who is currently away from the team, hasn’t been dealt away already is his $19.4 million salary. A contender would need to be absolutely sure that the same player we saw in Miami will make the trip from Toronto, as they would need to offload some noteworthy assets to make it happen.
If Ujiri can somehow convince teams to part with some draft capital in exchange for Dragic, a Toronto team that is severely lacking in depth could add even more high-energy youngsters to the mix. A Dragic trade that includes a pick may seem unlikely, but we’ve seen weirder trades happen.