3 players 24 and younger the Raptors should try to trade for

The Toronto Raptors have seen some play-in and title contenders around them make some moves before the trade deadline. Masai Ujiri will likely be looking to trade some of his more interesting assets in order to add that one bench piece that takes this team to the next level.

However, Ujiri might be a bit nervous about trading for a half-season rental. With the soon-to-be traded Goran Dragic the only player on the roster older than 30, Toronto should prioritize players that will help this team in 2022 and beyond as one of the team’s key reserves.

The Raptors have been linked to a few players that are still in the first stages of their pro careers, showing that Ujiri is making a point of adding someone that can stick around and raise this team’s long-term ceiling. Toronto has been linked to some interesting names in both the frontcourt and on the perimeter,

All three of these Toronto Raptors trade targets are 24 years old or younger. All of them would stand out as the best bench player on the roster if they were to end up in Canada at the deadline. Three of these four players are under contract beyond the end of the 2023 season.

3 players 24 and younger the Toronto Raptors could trade for.

3. PF Nicolas Claxton, Brooklyn Nets

The Nets might be on the verge of a retool if we are to believe the James Harden rumors. Brooklyn could look to offload Claxton, 22, at the deadline. Their preference on adding veterans to help chase a title could give Toronto a chance to add the young, switchable big they’ve been looking for.

Claxton, whom Toronto has been linked to at the deadline, is averaging 9.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game despite not always getting a consistent diet of shots. Capable of defending four positions thanks to his 6-11 frame and athletic skills, Claxton has a skillset that Ujiri will love. Imagine a taller, quicker Chris Boucher.

Toronto Raptors rumors: Nicolas Claxton brings size and switchability.

With Brooklyn completely sucked dry of draft picks thanks to the Harden trade, attaching a future first-round pick might actually be enough to get this deal done. Claxton has had durability problems, but that shouldn’t necessarily stop the Raptors from pursuing this deal.

Toronto invested a ton in young, mobile big man Precious Achiuwa. However, Claxton might have a higher offensive ceiling and more potential as a shot-blocker. Robbing a division rival in the Nets could appeal to the Raptors, especially considering how this season has gone so far.