Raptors nixed insane offer from Mavericks in Kristaps Porzingis talks

The Toronto Raptors managed to acquire Thad Young in exchange for Goran Dragic at the trade deadline, but they didn’t land any of the big names floating around in the deadline rumor mill. The Dallas Mavericks were willing to sell Kristaps Porzingis, and the Raptors at least had preliminary discussions about upgrading the frontcourt.

Porzingis was eventually traded to the Wizards in a desperate move from Washington. Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans were offloaded to Dallas, but now the Wizards have to work around a player with tons of concerning injuries and a salary over $30 million.

The Raptors reportedly checked in on Porzingis, but they quickly turned their attention elsewhere. The latest buzz from Zach Lowe makes it clear as to why Toronto quickly shut down any Porzingis speculation. The return Dallas wanted was insane.

According to Lowe and Tim McMahon on the “Lowe Post” podcast, Dallas asked for Dragic and Gary Trent Jr. in exchange for Porzingis. Considering the player Trent has become and the liability that adding Porzingis would have been, Masai Ujiri should be applauded for not going through with this deal.

Dallas wanted Toronto Raptors stud Gary Trent Jr. for Kristaps Porzingis.

Trent is averaging 18.2 points per game this season, which is not that far off from Porzingis’ 19.2 with Dallas this season. Trent is also doing so while becoming one of Toronto’s deadliest shooters. A terrible defender in Portland, the much-improved Trent still ranks near the top of the league in steals and deflections.

Porzingis is undoubtedly a dynamic rim protector and scorer when healthy, but he’s got too many questions hanging off of him at this moment in time. With over $30 million in salary and all of his injuries, asking Toronto to part with Dragic AND Trent without draft compensation was simply never going to happen.

The Raptors have issues in the frontcourt, but that can be addressed through the draft or free agency. Ujiri desired financial flexibility when looking to move Dragic’s deal, and deciding to trade for Porzingis would completely throw out that idea in favor of bringing in an albatross contract.

Trent is more valuable to this team than he’s ever been. Considering how quickly he’s improved at just 23 years old, Toronto is going to hold on to him for as long as possible. Porzingis could help the Wizards if he reverts to his old form, but his stock is just way too dangerous for Toronto to seriously consider taking a chance on him.