4 Raptors trade targets after missing out on Bojan Bogdanovic
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors will never turn down the chance to add a player who can help a contending team if they can be acquired without giving up tons of draft capital. With the Utah Jazz shopping Bojan Bogdanovic, there was some speculation that Masai Ujiri had something up his sleeve.
That speculation ended Thursday morning, as Bogdanovic was dealt to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee. Considering that the Pistons added Bogdanovic without attaching any long-term money or giving up a first-round pick, it’s fair to ponder why contenders like Toronto didn’t make a move.
The Raptors would not get any slings and arrows thrown at them if they decide to throw their hands up and head into Media Day with the roster they have right now. Still, the idea of Ujiri surprising us all by making one more big trade would come as no surprise to the league.
These four last-gasp trade targets may not be imminently on their way to Toronto, but the right combination of poking and prodding from the front office might be enough to get a deal done. As unlikely as these may sound, Bogdanovic to Detroit sounded odd a few days ago.
4 Toronto Raptors trade targets after Bojan Bogdanovic snub.
4. Doug McDermott, San Antonio Spurs
McDermott has been viewed as a negative asset by some around the league, as he has two years left on an eight-figure contract. Having said that, the Raptors could potentially get the Spurs interested in a swap of bad contracts, with Khem Birch headlining the return package for San Antonio.
McDermott is still a solid shooter at the peak of his powers, having made 42% of his 3-point attempts last season while averaging 11.3 points per game. If San Antonio is in the mood to swap bad contracts with a pick attached from Toronto’s end, McDermott might be on his way.
Doug McDermott fits the Toronto Raptors.
McDermott will not be a game-changer on the wing, but everyone knows he can be trusted to shoot reliably from deep. The only obstacle that could prevent on-court success is a lack of tremendous defensive ability. Nick Nurse is not going to allow such poor defensive play from a veteran wing.
Interest in McDermott has reportedly not been great, thanks to his contract and the subsequent financial implications. The eternal optimists among us might see this as a chance to essentially bid against yourself. With the market drying up, the Raptors could capitalize and land a solid shooter.