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Raptors trade rumors: 3 Eastern Conference guards to target

By Mike Luciano

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 6: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles against Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 6: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles against Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors, Cole Anthony
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 09: Cole Anthony #50 and Admiral Schofield #25 of the Orlando Magic (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

2. Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic

Anthony is a rock-solid guard that will have a bright future in this league, but there’s just no way for him to achieve his maximum potential with the Magic. Orlando has already drafted Jalen Suggs, and the frontcourt trio of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner will be the team’s featured options.

While the buzz linking Orlando to Fred VanVleet appears to have died down, Toronto shouldn’t abandon that idea, as Anthony is making a career-high 42% of his shots without getting the same offensive attention he had last season. When empowered and allowed to utilize his rim-attacking skills, Anthony is a problem.

Can the Toronto Raptors find a use for Cole Anthony?

While the Raptors have had success using a lineup led by Gary Trent Jr. and the team’s collection of backups, that group might not have the highest long-term ceiling. They lack someone outside of Trent who can create for themselves; even a limited Anthony can check that box.

If Toronto is unable to retain VanVleet in the offseason, Anthony is a high-ceiling alternative that won’t cost the moon and the stars to acquire. If the Raptors can help improve his 3-point shooting (never a sure thing), he will be an impactful part of this team for quite some time.