The Toronto Raptors have seen some standout performances from Gary Trent Jr. give him a shot in the arm the offense has needed, but that doesn’t change the fact that their collection of guards is well below what most current and prospective contenders are sporting.
Due to Fred VanVleet’s trade speculation and Malachi Flynn being an uninspiring backup point guard, Toronto could get the bench one more backcourt player that turns them into a team that can make some severe playoff inroads. The starting lineup can only do so much.
Look for Toronto to come in prepared to do some damage at the deadline, targeting veterans that can hill a long-term hole if they want to be ultra-aggressive or young players that will assimilate into the team’s bench after being acquired for a less expensive price.
While there are plenty of guards in the Western Conference that Toronto needs to hone in on, the East might have as many players that are worth pursuing for a team like the Raptors, who could be a few tweaks away from being a contender again in 2023.
Toronto Raptors trade rumors: 3 Eastern Conference guards to target.
3. Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks
Quickley and the Knicks have proven to be a fine match over the last few seasons, but there’s a chance that New York tries to capitalize on Jalen Brunson’s recent hot streak and Julius Randle’s resurgence. If they make some moves, Quickley could end up in Toronto when the dust clears if Ujiri makes an effort.
Quickley has not only averaged a solid 12.1 points per game this season, but his 41% shooting percentage this year (the best of his career) shows that he is making strides in fixing his efficiency issues from last season. Quickley as the team’s Sixth Man would be a much better situation than what they have now.
Can the Toronto Raptors land Immanuel Quickley?
Suppose the Knicks either want to retool their roster or find some way to get away from the responsibility of giving Quickley a contract that compensates him more than what New York feels comfortable with. In that case, the Raptors might be able to juice up their second unit for the next few seasons.
Trading with the Knicks can often be difficult, especially when New York may not be as motivated to give up on him as they were earlier in the season. However, the Raptors have shown to make all sorts of unconventional deadline moves in the last two years, so Quickley must be taken seriously as an option.
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.
1. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
This is a bit improbable, admittedly, and should only be considered if the Raptors manage to catch fire and reestablish themselves as a contender. Why pay Fred VanVleet close to max contract money when you can get a superior scorer in LaVine for the next few seasons?
The latest reports seem to suggest that LaVine is not thrilled about his role with the Bulls. Perhaps there is some strife between him and DeMar DeRozan? With Chicago on the verge of detonating this roster in favor of a new look, LaVine might be what gets them the biggest return while simultaneously making Toronto a team to be reckoned with.
Zach LaVine would transform the Toronto Raptors.
LaVine has averaged 25.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in his last five seasons. With a 3-point percentage of just under 40% on seven attempts per game and his boundless verticality, LaVine and Pascal Siakam would be one heck of a 1-2 punch offensively.
Selling off starters like VanVleet, an Illinois native, to acquire LaVine would make Toronto a financially rigid team, but the short-term boost would be phenomenal. A big three of Siakam, LaVine, and Scottie Barnes should strike fear into the rest of the Eastern Conference.