The Toronto Raptors are generally not in a position to dictate the pace of the NBA trade deadline, but they have equally valid cases for moving in either the buying or selling direction. In the last few weeks, Toronto has been linked to moves in both directions, and more rumors are sure to trickle in.
On the one hand, Toronto had two players who could hit free agency, Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr., available for the taking. They could be used to build a more robust bench. However, Toronto has enough standout starters to make a bit of a playoff push in what has become a wide-open Eastern Conference.
Masai Ujiri likely doesn’t even know what path he’s going to take just yet, as there is quite a lot of time before the deadline comes and moves must be made. As such, Ujiri is likely extending his tendrils all across the league in an attempt to gauge interest in some of his best players and position himself to make an aggressive move.
As such, the Raptors have been connected to plenty of notable names in the last few days. Some of them make sense, while others would be a slightly unrealistic dream. Which rumors are we buying, and which ones don’t hold up?
Buy or sell the latest Toronto Raptors trade rumors.
3. Raptors eyeing Jalen McDaniels, looking to trade Gary Trent Jr.
If I had my druthers, Trent would get a contract that either approaches or hits nine figures. You need multiple players with his skillset to win in the modern NBA. However, Toronto seems more willing to let him go in favor of adding yet another 6-9 versatile forward. Have they not learned their lesson from this season?
McDaniels is having the best season of his career despite being surrounded by some genuinely poor play around him in Charlotte, and he is a free agent at the end of this season. If the Raptors don’t have any plans of abandoning the “Vision 6-9” philosophy, McDaniels could fit the scheme, however flawed it is, like a glove.
Can the Toronto Raptors acquire Jalen McDaniels?
McDaniels is shooting 36% from 3-point range on a somewhat respectable volume per game, so there’s optimism that he could be a seventh man for the Raptors in their post-Trent era. Of course, that’s putting a ton of pressure on a young player who has spent the first four years of his career with bad Hornets teams.
While swapping out Trent for McDaniels straight up would be a horrendous move, don’t be surprised if these two end up moving to new teams as a result of different transactions. Raptors fans might be sick of all the power forwards, but that might not be enough to convince Ujiri that his favorite system is not going to turn this team into a winner.
Verdict: Buy
2. Toronto is looking at Bojan Bogdanovic
While the Raptors were linked to centers like Phoenix’s Deandre Ayton and Indiana’s Myles Turner, according to some of the latest buzz, Bogdanovic was mentioned by Shams Charania of The Athletic as one veteran wing that Toronto is looking at. From a scheme fit, there are very few vets that would fill a need quite like the Pistons’ sniper.
Bogdanovic is averaging over 21 points per game and making more than 41% of his 3-pointers. While that sounds ideal for the Raptors, Toronto needs to be careful about meeting an exorbitant price tag that has been placed on him.
Will the Toronto Raptors get Bojan Bogdanovic?
Detroit reportedly wants an unprotected first-round pick for Bogdanovic. Toronto is certainly not going to give up a very desirable 2023 selection. Surrendering a 2024 pick would not only show an extreme level of confidence in their ability to compete, but it would also leave them without a selection in that draft.
While the Raptors did trade a first-round pick for Thad Young last season, some parts of that front office might be regretting that deal now that the veteran forward is firmly not in the rotation. Doing it again for Bogdanovic might not be ideal for Ujiri.
1. Fred VanVleet being targeted by Suns, Magic in free agency
The Raptors could trade VanVleet for a haul, especially with a hypothetical four-year contract likely costing around $30 million per season coming down the bend. No matter what they end up doing with him at the deadline, their grand plan to potentially resign him could get upended by both a contender and a rebuilding team.
Charania’s report also hinted that the Suns and Magic will try to sign VanVleet in free agency. With Phoenix looking to both find another backcourt dynamo and a long-term succession plan for Chris Paul, the Suns might be willing to go into the luxury tax to bring in VanVleet and make a run at the West in 2023.
Toronto Raptors PG Fred VanVleet has tons of suitors.
Orlando is at the other end of the spectrum, but that likely won’t deter their interest in VanVleet. With a tremendous young core centered around Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, and Franz Wagner already in place, VanVleet could slide right in as the experienced greybeard that helps instill a culture of winning in Orlando.
Even in a year that has been so trying and taxing due to all of the media pressure that has beaten this team up, VanVleet is going to cash in big time. Time will tell if that contract offer comes in Canada with the Raptors, down in the Arizona desert, or at Disney World.
Verdict: Buy