5 trade scenarios Raptors must prepare for this offseason

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leaves the Thunder

Sam Presti would trade his grandmother if it meant he could get a future first-round pick, but Oklahoma City has constantly asserted that they intend to hold onto the native Canadian and create a dynamic 1-2 punch for years to come alongside Josh Giddey. Still, Presti has pulled off crazier moves in his career.

Statistically, Gilgeous-Alexander is beyond reproach. He’s set himself up for an All-Star nod next year. However, Oklahoma City appears ready to burn another year of his prime at the bottom of the conference. There’s a non-zero chance that Gilgeous-Alexander loses faith in Presti’s long-term vision and looks for a move to a contender.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would be ideal for the Toronto Raptors.

Make no mistake, this deal is not going to come without the Raptors giving up a large portion of their future. This would be the type of move that signifies Toronto is ready to completely ditch the idea of simply making the playoffs and start moving into the contender tier.

As risky as it may be, players of his stature don’t hit the trade market very often. Gilgeous-Alexander and Fred VanVleet in the same backcourt would make for a hellacious tandem. There are very few players Ujiri should give up the farm for, but Shai is unquestionably one of them.