3 assets Raptors would be foolish to part with at trade deadline

1. Scottie Barnes

Raptors fans are on edge right now, and I understand why. While most of it is justified, there’s some vitriol that seems like it’s going a bit over the top. However, if the Raptors even think about trading Barnes for anything short of another team giving them the equivalent of the Celtics-Nets Paul Pierce trade, that would cause fans to start a riot.

Not only is Barnes the centerpiece around which the Raptors will construct their next era of basketball, but he is playing some of the best ball of his career in a new post-oriented role. Since 2023 started, Barnes has been averaging 19.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game.

Keep in mind the fact he’s still just 21.

The Toronto Raptors are built around Scottie Barnes.

Barnes is by no means perfect, but Nurse seems to have stumbled upon something here. While it’s enticing to use Barnes as a perimeter weapon, he’s already proven too quick for lumbering bigs when operating at the elbow and too physical for perimeter guards. This might be where he’s best-served long-term.

The Raptors need to ensure that Pascal Siakam is still an All-Star player while affording Barnes every opportunity to grow and dominate. It won’t be easy, but we’ve seen Ujiri build a winner in more adverse circumstances than this. With Barnes already locked in, one or two sharp moves could set this team up for success.