Raptors trade rumors: Toronto chasing expensive veteran shooter

The Toronto Raptors are gearing up for what should be a very chaotic trade deadline, as Masai Ujiri could change the shape of the NBA with just a few moves. This depends on what direction Toronto chooses to take after a 20-24 start to the season.

The Raptors could start to sell off some of their most prized assets to start a quick retool, but they might decide to make a run at a postseason spot if they feel that this core has enough juice in it. An old friend in the Central division might be able to help Toronto with that desire, if the latest rumors are to be believed.

Shams Charania of The Athletic (subscription required) confirmed that the Raptors are showing interest in Bojan Bogdanovic, who is currently suiting up for the Eastern Conference’s worst team in the Detroit Pistons. If he is available for trade, Toronto might be able to add a genuine game-changer.

However, Charania mentioned that Detroit would likely require an unprotected first-round pick to part with Bogdanovic in a trade. If the Raptors are serious about fixing their issues with shooting, it is going to cost them a significant chunk of change to acquire a proven veteran option.

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1615358541124206592

Toronto Raptors trade rumors: Bojan Bogdanovic is available.

Bogdanovic is averaging a career-high 21.2 points per game this season, taking advantage of the loss of Cade Cunningham. Bogdanovic, who has made 41.5% of his 3-pointers this season, has drilled 40% of his triples on six attempts per game since the start of the 2018 season.

The Raptors will likely commit a ton of money to Pascal Siakam in the offseason, and they could bring back Fred VanVleet or Gary Trent Jr. on nine-figure deals. While Bogdanovic has two more seasons left on his deal with close to $40 million owed to him, he’s outperformed the money on that contract so far.

Of course, Bogdanovic will turn 34 years old at the end of the season. There’s no telling when Father Time will flick the light switch that robs him of the necessary athleticism to score at this level. The fact that the Croatian wing has never been a tremendous defender will likely impact his stock.

At his best, Bogdanovic can assume a starting role and be an effective perimeter scorer for Toronto without an eye-watering contract. If Ujiri felt comfortable trading a first-round pick to acquire Thad Young, he should have no issues doing the same for a superior player in Bogdanovic.