Raptors rumors: Why did Toronto exit Kristaps Porzingis trade talks?

The Toronto Raptors were linked with all sorts of big men before the end of the trade deadline, with Dallas Mavericks sensation Kristaps Porzingis serving as one of the more unlikely names that popped up. Jake Fischer had reported that Toronto was interested in taking on his hefty contract.

Porzingis is averaging 19.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game this season, which is right around what he’s averaged during his three-year stint with Dallas. Intrigued by his potential on both ends, the Wizards decided to part with Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans to bring him to Washington.

Toronto may have had some interest in him, but Masai Ujiri’s desire in getting a deal done faded as the deadline drew closer. On top of the exorbitant package Dallas would likely need to get in return, it seems like the Raptors were worried about how he would fit in long-term.

Marc Stein (subscription required) is reporting that the Raptors ultimately backed out of a Porzingis deal because they had concerns about his long-term health. Considering the injuries that the skinny big has suffered, that’s not an unreasonable concern to have.

Toronto Raptors rumors: A Kristaps Porzingis trade would’ve been risky.

Porzingis has not played more than 65 games in a season since his rookie season in 2015-16. He has only topped 50 games played once in the last five years and missed an entire season with an ACL injury. He’s suited up in just 34 games for the Mavericks so far this year.

Even if the Raptors managed to get rid of one bad contract in addition to Goran Dragic and a draft pick to obtain Porzingis, adding a player making over $30 million this season with a history of serious injuries would not have given this front office the flexibility they craved.

The only move that the Raptors actually ended up pulling off at the trade deadline was a swap with the Spurs that sent Dragic to San Antonio and Thad Young to Toronto. Young made his debut in a loss against the Pelicans, showing the blend of interior finishing and versatility Toronto sought over the past few weeks.

https://twitter.com/Raptors/status/1493401129283112966

While Porzingis would’ve been one of the best players on the Raptors’ roster, there are just too many red flags hanging off of him for Toronto to sincerely consider adding him. With a huge contract and injury risks to consider, Washington now has to figure out had to add talent around the Latvian big.