3 Raptors trade targets on rebuilding Eastern Conference teams
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors could go the entire offseason without completely flipping the roster upside down in a crazy trade, but that doesn’t mean that Masai Ujiri will sit on his hands and stare at a wall in June and July. Plundering the rest of the Eastern Conference could be a solid way to help build a winner.
The East is getting deeper than it has been in years, making it even more challenging for the Raptors to contend in 2022-23 and beyond. There are only a few teams that are mired at the bottom of the conference and stuck in the middle of a very lengthy rebuild.
Toronto should still be trying to make sure that these squads are in a selling mood. With dozens of quality players just ripe for the picking, the answer to Toronto’s weeks of searching could be found in the cellar of their own conference if Ujiri is cavalier enough about parting with assets.
The Raptors should try to acquire these three standouts from teams who likely will not be in the playoff picture. Pulling off one of these trades will help Toronto move ever closer to finally becoming a contender in an Eastern Conference that is getting stronger by the day.
3. Mo Bamba, Orlando Magic
We’ve been banging the Bamba drum for as long as humanly possible, but the fit just makes so much sense after his breakout season that Toronto needs to be made well aware of what he can bring to the table. Do you want a rim protector who can shoot? Here’s the answer to your prayers.
Bamba, who averaged 10.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game last year, finally earned a starting role and showed that he was worthy of such a high draft pick. However, with Orlando likely moving forward with Jabari Smith at No. 1 overall alongside Wendell Carter Jr. at center, Bamba might be out.
Mo Bamba could end up on the Toronto Raptors.
Bamba is a restricted free agent, meaning that he is an ideal sign-and-trade candidate. Bamba will not come to Toronto without Ujiri and company making an extensive pitch. Still, the idea of being a role player on a contender could appeal after years of losing in Orlando.
Bamba is one of the few players on the free agent market that can be an impact signing at the center spot for a contender without being a high-usage player. Toronto’s lack of size was a common sticking point for some pessimistic fans, and adding Bamba could go a long way towards shutting them up.