2 reasons Raptors could trade for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (and 1 reason they wont)
By Mike Luciano
Why they won’t: Cost
Considering the recent Donovan Mitchell trade, the Raptors will likely have to pay an arm and a leg for the privilege of having Gilgeous-Alexander on their team. This will assuredly include multiple starters and unprotected first-round picks, which could bite them in a significant way.
The Mitchell trade saw a standout young guard (Collin Sexton), a proven veteran forward (Lauri Markkanen), the No. 14 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft (Ochai Agbaji), and three first-round picks. Swap those names out and replace them with O.G. Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. Still want to do that deal?
The Toronto Raptors may not be able to afford Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
While the Kawhi Leonard deal is often cited as proof that Masai Ujiri is willing to pay all sorts of exorbitant prices to win a championship, that trade was for a player with severe durability concerns and a very vocal desire to leave San Antonio. Even in that one, DeMar DeRozan had to be surrendered to make it possible.
Ujiri is aggressive, but he is not reckless. As such, he is willing to hold firm with what he believes is a viable trade offer. Given the confidence and trust that Ujiri has in this roster right now, Presti can’t take advantage of a desperate team that is trying to add talent quickly.