While the Toronto Raptors can take comfort in the fact that they have everything at their disposal needed for a deep postseason run, not every team is gunning for championship glory. In actuality, we may witness a historic tank job thanks to the performance of consensus No. 1 draft prospect Victor Wembanyama.
The hype around Wembanyama (and, to a lesser extent, No. 2 prospect Scoot Henderson) is reaching levels we haven’t seen in over a decade. Who would have thought a 7-4 perimeter player that can handle the ball, shoot from deep, and defend multiple positions at 18 years old would get this level of acclaim? Stunning, really.
Wenbanyama is so talented that many of the league’s poorer teams could decide to trade away their veteran assets as soon as possible to accelerate the tank job and get the best odds at the No. 1 pick. The Raptors need to be more prepared for a big trade than they normally would be early in the year.
These five players will likely be traded at some point in the near future as their current employers try to find a way to land Wembanyama or the elite consolation prize that Henderson has become. The Raptors could land one of them with some aggression in the market.
5 Toronto Raptors trade targets as teams tank for Victor Wembanyama
5. Gary Harris, Orlando Magic
Harris seemed like a perfect addition in free agency for the Raptors, as he is a veteran guard who would add excellent shooting to the bench. While he chose to resign with Orlando and mentor the next generation, the Magic might bottom out and trade him to create a big three of Wembanyama, Paolo Banchero, and Franz Wagner.
Harris averaged 11.1 points per game last season, which was his highest mark since the 2018-19 season with Denver, while making 38% of his 3-point attempts. Harris could be a reasonable target due to the fact that Toronto wouldn’t have to part with a star to acquire him.
Toronto Raptors: Gary Harris would add shooting.
Harris could help Nurse extend the rotation while plugging a very big hole due to the current roster’s lack of great shooting. Owed $13 million per season over the next two years, Harris doesn’t have the most expensive contract in the world. That could appeal to a Raptors team worried about financial stability.
The Magic may have a better roster than last year, but even diehard fans know that this team is going to be in the lottery once again. In an Eastern Conference that is much better than it has been in previous years, Jeff Weltman and John Hammond might decide to waive the white flag this year and part with a vet like Harris.
4. Jakob Poeltl, San Antonio Spurs
Poeltl, a former Raptors draft pick who was sent to the Spurs in the Kawhi Leonard deal, is almost a lock to be traded before the deadline. Not only does San Antonio have as good a chance as any team to land Wembanyama, but they have a young big in Jeremy Sochan who needs to be given minutes.
Poeltl averaged 13.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game in a year where he probably should have made an All-Defensive team. Finally breaking out in his age-26 season, Poeltl will help a very young Spurs team load up on picks for the 2023 class and beyond, while the Raptors could get a starting-caliber center.
Jakob Poeltl could thrive with the Toronto Raptors.
While the development of Christian Koloko might help the Raptors decide to lean into their youth movement rather than add an established starter, Poeltl is different from most vets because he will be familiar with the Raptors’ schemes and make an immediate defensive impact.
The fact that Poeltl is a free agent at the end of this season and isn’t even making eight figures this year might make him more attractive, as Toronto wouldn’t have to break the bank and could let him go after this season if it doesn’t work out. Unfortunately, the Raptors won’t be the only team with eyes on Poeltl.
3. Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz
The trades of Rudy Gobert, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Donovan Mitchell signaled that Danny Ainge is willing to play the long game and rebuild through the draft. Clarkson and Mike Conley are the next veterans in line for a trade as Utah builds around youngsters like Collin Sexton.
Clarkson has averaged 16.8 points per game off the bench in the last three seasons in Utah. While he won’t get to shoot 14 times in 26 minutes as a member of the Raptors, Clarkson is an established bucket-getter that can slash into the lane or post up from deep. Why not take a chance?
Jordan Clarkson could help the Toronto Raptors’ bench.
Clarkson would be a huge negative on the defensive side of the ball, but he might offer just enough as a bench scorer that the Raptors are willing to give away some future assets to acquire him. He’s proven he can get the job done on teams with playoff aspirations.
With No. 14 pick Ochai Agbaji coming to Utah as a result of the Mitchell deal, the Jazz would do well to let him and Sexton figure out how they fit alongside one another. Offloading Clarkson would give the Raptors another proven scorer while Utah takes another hit of that sweet Wenbanyama hype.
2. Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
Turner has seemingly been in the rumor mill for his entire playing career, but a trade has never seemed more realistic than at this moment in time. Not only are the Lakers hot on his trail, but the Pacers could be motivated sellers if they are close to Wembanyama or Henderson territory.
Turner has averaged 2.7 blocks per game over the last four seasons, leading the league in that category twice. Turner’s skills will do Indiana no good this season if they are dreaming of a long-limbed future centered around Wembanyama in the paint and Tyrese Haliburton on the perimeter.
Myles Turner makes sense for the Toronto Raptors.
Like Poeltl, the need for a rebounding shot-blocker would be neutralized if Koloko and Precious Achiuwa end up becoming the players Toronto thinks they can be. Without it, interior defense remains a problem. Turner isn’t the best on-ball defender in the post, but he’s athletic enough to be a dominant shot-swatter.
Turner is being pursued by the Los Angeles Lakers, as he and Buddy Hield might be on their way to LA if Rob Pelinka parts with Russell Westbrook and multiple first-round picks. The Raptors will need to beat an aggressive Lakers team to the punch if they want to acquire him.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
The Raptors have had their eyes on a Gilgeous-Alexander trade since his days at Kentucky, and they almost certainly have SGA trade offers in the chamber if he gets fed up with Oklahoma City’s constant losing. With tons of picks and no Chet Holmgren, OKC might be the favorites for Victor.
24.2 points and 5.9 assists per game is unquestioned elite production, though it has largely gone unnoticed due to the Thunder’s lack of success. Does getting shelved for the second half of the season to improve draft odds sound preferable for Gilgeous Alexander when compared to starring on a playoff contender in his hometown?
Can the Toronto Raptors grab Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?
Gilgeous-Alexander will cost a ton of draft picks, as Oklahoma City could hold onto their prized asset and roll out a lineup featuring Shai, Holmgren, Wenbanyama, and Josh Giddey. Very few teams, of which Toronto is one, have a collection of assets that could intrigue the Thunder.
This trade sounds like it won’t happen, but the allure of Wembanyama could be so strong that Sam Presti completely decimates everything, Shai included. If he becomes available, the Raptors need to be at the front of the line. Doing so could create one of the strongest teams in the East for the next half-decade.