Raptors rumors: 3 potential trade destinations for Malachi Flynn
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors may have used a first-round pick on point guard Malachi Flynn in 2020, but it is becoming increasingly unlikely that the San Diego State product remains in Toronto’s long-term plans. In a year where everyone expected him to take a step forward, Flynn has regressed.
Flynn is averaging just 2.8 points per game on 35% shooting, and he has completely fallen out of the rotation as a result. Any chance of Flynn potentially reasserting himself in the Toronto lineup looks very unlikely. Dalano Banton appears to have usurped him in his rookie year.
Still, Flynn has some talent, and some team will be willing to acquire a player that was a Conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. With the Raptors potentially in the mood to make some trades, Flynn might have some franchises interested in acquiring him.
If the Raptors want to throw Flynn in as part of a bigger trade or try to convince a team to part with a second-round pick in exchange for him, they should get one of these three franchises on the phone. Perhaps a change of scenery could help Malachi finally evolve into a solid player.
3 trade destinations for Toronto Raptors point guard Malachi Flynn.
3. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have been very open in their desire to rebuild by moving off of either Myles Turner or Domantas Sabonis. While Flynn by himself wouldn’t be a very enticing offer for Indiana, he might intrigue them as a throw-in as part of a larger trade. He could become Malcolm Brogdon’s backup.
The Pacers are currently leaning on names like Keifer Sykes and Duane Washington Jr. to eat up minutes as a ball-handler with some big names out. Even with his lackluster stats this season, there’s reason to believe Flynn would be a better addition than these two players.
Toronto Raptors rumors: Indiana could gamble on Malachi Flynn
Flynn was Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month last season, and the Pacers might be able to tap into some of that offensive potential. While he has struggled this season, it’s highly unlikely he forgot how to play basketball in such a jarring fashion over the course of one offseason.
Flynn might not be getting minutes because Nick Nurse is using a truncated rotation in order to secure some postseason wins, but it’s hard to make an impact when you’re playing in such a reduced capacity. Indiana would give Flynn the minutes he needs to turn his career around.