The Toronto Raptors appear to be closer than ever to trading away Goran Dragic, as they will likely look to use the Slovenian veteran in order to improve their bench. One team that could be a potential buyer is the Los Angeles Clippers, who are struggling for offensive consistency without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer is reporting that numerous sources believe Dragic could be a target for Ty Lue on the trade market. With Doug Smith reporting that Dragic is generating interest in the rumor mill, the Clippers could help Toronto fortify their bench by taking Dragic on.
O’Connor mentioned three veterans as potential trade chips that the Clippers, bereft of draft capital due to the George trade, could use to entice Toronto into a Dragic deal. The Raptors need someone off the bench that can provide consistency, and LA’s stable of experienced greybeards could satisfy that desire.
How much interest could the Raptors have in one of the Clippers’ veterans? Will they get adequate value back for Dragic if they send him to the Clippers? Will the bench even take that leap forward if they swap out Dragic for one of these competitors?
Should the Toronto Raptors pass or pursue these 3 Los Angeles Clippers?
3. PG Eric Bledsoe
Bledsoe might be the most likely player to get moved, as his $18 million salary matches up well with Dragic’s $19.4 million. Bledsoe is averaging 9.9 points per game this year on 42% shooting to go along with 4.1 assists per contest. That production would instantly make him the best player on Toronto’s bench.
Bledsoe is having one of the worst offensive seasons he’s had in his career, and he is a free agent at the end of this season, but there aren’t many short-term guard injections that are better than him. With experience at both guard spots and history as an All-Defensive player, Bledsoe could work in Nick Nurse’s scheme.
Eric Bledsoe could give the Toronto Raptors a backup point guard.
Bledsoe would be under contract for next season, though Toronto could understandably be a bit apprehensive about committing that much money to a backup point guard. Still, if it means acquiring a veteran sixth man, Bledsoe could be worth that risk given his pedigree.
If Dragic decides to play for the Clippers, that could get a slightly more experienced backup for Reggie Jackson. If they buy him out, they could enjoy the spoils of a pick that Toronto likely flips their way. Bledsoe would bring stability and scoring skills to a bench in need of both.
Verdict: Pursue
2. PF Marcus Morris
Morris has been averaging 15.6 points per game this season, the second-best mark of his career, while continuing to make a name for himself as a quality stretch big man. Why would his contract be considered a potential albatross if he comes to Toronto?
Morris has two more years left on his contract, culminating in a $17.1 million salary in 2023-24. With Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, and OG Anunoby all in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future, there is minimal chance of Morris becoming a starter for this team.
Marcus Morris would be an expensive piece for the Toronto Raptors.
Morris is a great scorer for what he is, and this bench needs that. However, he wouldn’t help Toronto fix their interior defense issues due to his lack of on-ball acumen shot-blocking skills. Morris would be a purely offensive move for a team that needs defensive help on the interior.
The Raptors would essentially be paying top dollar for a backup forward that is only going to see his offensive consistency decline as the years go on. Morris would’ve made sense at a slightly less extravagant price, but his fit with Toronto might not be as smooth as Bledsoe’s would’ve been.
Verdict: Pass
1. C Serge Ibaka
After a fabulous career in Toronto that culminated with Ibaka taking home a ring, the Congolese big man decided to leave for greener pastures and sign with the Clippers. As unlikely as a return may have seemed, Ibaka may end up back in Toronto to serve as a shot-blocker with some 3-point shooting capabilities.
Averaging 6.0 points and 3.9 rebounds this season, Ibaka’s value has never been lower. If packaged with one more player in the name of making the finances match up, the Raptors might not have to part with any draft picks. Ibaka would also know what Toronto likes to do schematically.
Serge Ibaka would fit in perfectly with the Toronto Raptors.
Ibaka is not going to be a game-changing offensive player, but that isn’t what the team needs of him. He can still stroke it from deep and use his wingspan to impact opposing shots. If that is the going rate for a veteran guard like Dragic, Toronto should be thrilled, quite frankly.
Considering the new threats that have emerged in the West and the health of the Clippers’ two stars, Ibaka might not have a chance to add another ring to his hand if he stays. Toronto is further away from contention, but he’d help aid a postseason push while returning to a fanbase that adores him.
Verdict: Pursue