3 adjustments the Raptors must make to save their season

1. Make a trade.

There’s only so much that schemes can accomplish if you don’t have the right personnel to see them through. The Raptors need rim protection and shooting, and they need them yesterday. The front office needs to explore its options at the trade deadline if they want to have any chance of making the playoffs.

There has been a lot of noise surrounding the Raptors leading up to the February 9 deadline. Pelicans guard and NBPA president CJ McCollum revealed on his eponymous ESPN show that there have been “rumblings” about certain players on the team not being happy. “I think they’re gonna move someone,” said McCollum.

Without speculating which players McCollum is referencing, it’s still worth asking; which Raptors players could be moved?

The organization has reportedly felt that Scottie Barnes was untouchable as recently as last summer, and it wouldn’t be entirely surprising if they felt the same about Pascal Siakam. As for the rest of the roster, nobody should be off-limits.

A prime candidate could be OG Anunoby. Having cemented himself as one of the league’s best defensive players, OG’s trade value is at an all-time high. Could the Raptors look to flip him in exchange for a couple of key roster pieces and some picks?

Will the Toronto Raptors make a trade?

The Raptors reportedly remain interested in the services of Pacers big Myles Turner, whose future with that team is uncertain. If Turner informs the Pacers he’ll be testing the waters in free agency this summer, chances are they’ll find a way to reap some value from his contract.

Trade candidates include Gary Trent Jr., who is having a career year shooting the ball. He’ll likely garner some interest on the trade market, so the Raptors could look to deal him, especially if they have an inkling that he’ll decline his player option at the end of the season.

Bench players Khem Birch and Malachi Flynn could easily be included as part of a trade package since their fit with this team has appeared shaky at best.

Whatever happens at the trade deadline, the Raptors’ front office owes it to themselves to at least explore their options. They have some desirable targets that the other 29 teams will be vying for. This team is too skilled to be tanking just yet, so any move should be made with the immediate future in mind.